Valve disc and comibination filling device using the valve disc, and tube, pipe jointing device, connection port manufacturing device, and pipe jointing system

ABSTRACT

A valve element including a pair of end faces, at least a part of which is constituted by an elastic material, characterized in that the valve element is provided with a first slit that is opened to a first end face and is not opened to a second end face of the pair of end faces, and a second slit that crosses with the first slit inside the valve element, is opened to the second end face and is not opened to the first end face, and the valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact with each other. This valve element is simple in structure, easy in operation, serviceable for a long period, and capable of preventing leakage of liquid surely.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve element and a mixing andinjecting device using the valve element, and a tube, a tube jointingdevice, a connection port manufacturing device, and a tube jointingsystem.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] For example, there are known various medical instruments providedwith a valve element such as a tube body guiding device for medical usethat guides a tube body like a catheter for angiographies into a bloodvessel.

[0003] Examples of a conventional valve element include a valve elementconsisting of a cylindrical elastic body in which a straight slit openedto (reaching) both end faces is formed, a valve element consisting of acylindrical first elastic body in which a through-hole is formed and acylindrical second elastic body in which a Y-shaped slit opened to bothend faces is formed, and the like.

[0004] However, with the aforementioned valve element, the slit may opento form a gap between the slit and the tube body, causing leakage ofliquid, particularly when the tube body is inserted and pulled out.

[0005] In addition, in the case in which the tube body is inserted for along period, the valve element is deformed into a shape with the slitopened, whereby the slit does not close even after the tube body ispulled out and leakage of liquid is caused.

[0006] In order to suppress such leakage of liquid, a width of the slitonly has to be reduced. However, if the width of the slit is reduced, africtional resistance at the time when the tube body is inserted orpulled out increases, which makes operation for inserting or pulling outthe tube body difficult.

[0007] Thus, in order to solve such a problem, a valve elementconsisting of a cylindrical elastic body is proposed in which a slitopened to (reaching) only one end face and a slit crossing with thisslit in the inside of the valve element and opened to only the other endface (JP 2-949 B) are formed.

[0008] However, the aforementioned JP 2-949 B does not disclose an ideaof deforming the valve element.

[0009] The inventor has found that, by deforming a valve element suchthat inner surfaces of one slit are brought into press contact with eachother, liquid tightness can be increased and leakage of liquid can beprevented more surely without damaging operability of connection of aconnector or the like.

[0010] It is a first object of the present invention to provide a valveelement that is simple in structure, easy in operation, serviceable fora long period, and capable of preventing leakage of liquid surely.

[0011] In addition, on a site of medical care, at the time of anoperation or at the time of hospital treatment, in the intravenoushyperalimentation, and the like, a catheter or a needle is inserted intoa vein to perform infusion with drip injection.

[0012] In various types of infusion, in the case in which other drugsolution or the like is injected, the injection is performed in parallelwith the infusion or suspending the infusion. A method usually used asthis method is to provide in advance a mixing and injecting section thatis capable of connecting an infusion line or syringe of another route inthe middle of an infusion route, and inject drug solution or the likevia this mixing and injecting section.

[0013] As components used in this mixing and injecting section, thereare kwon a rubber tube for mixing and injection, a liquid mixing andinjecting device such as a Y site (also referred to as T-shaped tube) ora three-way cock, and a multiple cock (manifold) consisting of coupledthree-way cocks.

[0014] In addition, a method also used in an artery line for the purposeof continuously monitoring an arterial pressure is to provide in advancea branching section having substantially the same action as the mixingand injecting section in the middle of the line and perform bloodcollection or the like from the branching section every time it isnecessary.

[0015] Among the components used in the mixing and injecting section,the most primitive rubber tube for mixing and injection is pierced by asyringe with needle or the like and used. Thus, it is likely that adoctor or a nurse (hereinafter referred to as medical personnel) prickshis/her finger with the needle by mistake. In addition, if the rubbertube for mixing and injection is connected for a long period, there areproblems in that drug solution (liquid) tends to leak easily, it is hardto secure in the case of mixing and injection for a long term, drugsolution easily leaks when centesis is repeated (low in centesisresistance). However, the rubber tube for mixing and injection is stillused currently because it is inexpensive.

[0016] In recent years, for the purpose of preventing pricking bymistake of medical personnel, a mixing and injecting port with valve hasbeen developed which is provided with an open-closable valve of rubberin a mixing and injecting port and can be connected to a luer tip of asyringe or an extension tube without using a needle or can be connectedusing a blunt needle having an external diameter smaller than that of aluer tip.

[0017] However, in the aforementioned mixing and injecting port withvalve, it is necessary to provide a slit communicating inner and outerfaces of the valve therein, press the slit by a strong force to warplargely and close. Thus, the mixing and injecting port becomescomplicated in structure and expensive. In addition, when it is used fora long period, the valve is deformed and the slit does not closesufficiently due to the deformation, thereby causing leakage of liquid.The mixing and injecting port with valve still has such a lot ofproblems.

[0018] In addition, a three-way cock usually has a structure of a femaleluer connector in a mixing and injecting section, and has an advantagein that it can be connected to a male luer connector of a syringe or aninfusion line without using a needle. In addition, it has a function ofswitching an injection route such as injecting another drug solutionsimultaneously with injecting main drug solution or suspending injectionof main drug solution to perform only side-injection. Thus, thethree-way cock is used most frequently because it is convenient.

[0019] However, in the aforementioned three-way cock, there is a problemin that, if the cock is closed, since a part where drug solution doesnot flow (dead space) exists in the female luer and the female luer doesnot have a rubber septum for shutting the inside thereof from theoutside, it is likely that fallen bacteria or the like in the airdeposit on the female luer and, after connecting the female luer, thebacteria tend to propagate and contaminate a patient body.

[0020] Since there is a Y-shaped space for switching a flow path insidea cock of the three-way cock, if the three-way cock is closed in onedirection, a part where drug solution does not easily flow is generated.If a few three-way cocks are connected in series to be used as amultiple cock, since there is a step in a connecting part, irregularitytends to occur in a flow of drug solution. Thus, there areinconveniences in that, when a small amount of drug solution iscontinuously injected accurately, the drug solution is diluted in thepart where it does not easily flow or, when it is expected that theentire amount of drug solution is finished to be side-injected, the drugsolution remains in the step or inside the cock and it takes time toflow the entire amount.

[0021] Moreover, since drug solution hardly spreads to such a part wheredrug solution does not easily flow, a step or a dead space, there isalso a problem in that work for removing the air in a line beforeconnecting an infusion line to a patient (priming) is made complicated.

[0022] The above-mentioned problems are the same for the conventional Ysite to which a rubber septum is attached and a new mixing and injectingport that is improved such that a blunt needle or a male luer connectorcan be inserted for the purpose of preventing pricking by mistake ofmedical personnel.

[0023] It is a second object of the present invention to provide amixing and injecting device that is simple in structure, capable ofbeing operated easily and safely, serviceable for a long period, andcapable of preventing leakage of liquid surely.

[0024] In addition, since the above-described mixing and injectingsection is prepared in a number set in advance, there may not be theenough number of them.

[0025] In such a case, a port for side-injection that is not a main flowpath must be additionally connected, which is time consuming. Inaddition, since liquid is not always flown to this port forside-injection, it is necessary to completely flow a remaining drugsolution using, for example, saline or the like after drug solution isside-injected, which is time consuming and easily causes propagation ofbacteria if the saline is stayed for a long time. Thus, it is likelythat a large amount of propagated bacteria are injected into a patientwhen the drug solution is injected again.

[0026] It is a third object of the present invention to provide a tubethat is simple in structure and in which a connection port can be easilyprovided, if necessary, a tube jointing device, a connection portmanufacturing device, and a tube jointing system.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The above-mentioned first object is attained by first tothirteenth aspects of the present invention described below.

[0028] (1) A valve element including a pair of end faces, at least apart of which is constituted by an elastic material, characterized inthat,

[0029] the valve element is provided with a first slit that is opened toa first end face and is not opened to a second end face of the pair ofend faces, and a second slit that crosses with the first slit inside thevalve element, is opened to the second end face and is not opened to thefirst end face, and

[0030] the valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces of thesecond slit are brought into press contact with each other.

[0031] (2) A valve element according to the aspect (1), wherein thefirst slit in the first end face and the second slit in the second endface are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0032] (3) A valve element according to the aspect (1) or (2), whereinthe valve element is plate-like, and the inner surfaces of the secondslit are brought into press contact with each other by curving the valveelement such that the first end face side thereof is protruded.

[0033] (4) A valve element according to the aspect (3), wherein adirection of the curving and a direction of the first slit in the firstend face substantially coincide with each other.

[0034] (5) A valve element according to the aspect (3) or (4), wherein adirection perpendicular to the direction of the curving and a directionof the second slit in the second end face substantially coincide witheach other.

[0035] (6) A valve element according to any one of the aspects (1) to(5), wherein the valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces ofthe first slit are brought into press contact with each other.

[0036] (7) A valve element according to any one of the aspects (1) to(6), wherein a compressing force is applied to the entire valve element.

[0037] (8) A valve element according to the aspect (1) or (2), whereinthe valve element takes a tubular shape in which the first end face isan external peripheral surface and the second end face is an internalperipheral surface.

[0038] (9) A valve element according to the aspect (8), wherein adirection perpendicular to an axial direction of the valve element and adirection of the first slit in the first end face substantially coincidewith each other.

[0039] (10) A valve element according to the aspect (8) or (9), whereinthe axial direction of the valve element and a direction of the secondslit in the second end face substantially coincide with each other.

[0040] (11) A valve element according to any one of the aspects (8) to(10), wherein an external shape in a cross section of the valve elementafter deformation is substantially circular.

[0041] (12) A valve element according to any one of the aspects (1) to(11), wherein the vicinity of the first slit on the first end face has aflat surface or a recessed surface.

[0042] (13) A valve element according to any one of the aspects (1) to(12), wherein the valve element includes a holding member for holdingthe valve element in a deformed state.

[0043] The above-mentioned second object is attained by fourteenth tothirty-fourth aspects of the present invention described below.

[0044] (14) A mixing and injecting device that has a valve element, atleast a part of which is constituted by an elastic material, and ahousing for holding the valve element, and is provided with a flow pathin the inside thereof, which is characterized in that,

[0045] the valve element has a first end face exposed to the outside anda second end face exposed to the inside of the flow path and is providedwith a first slit, which is opened to the first end face and is notopened to the second end face, and a second slit, which crosses with thefirst slit in the inside thereof, opened to the second end face and isnot opened to the first end face, and

[0046] that the valve element is held by the housing in a state in whichthe valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces of the secondslit are brought into press contact with each other.

[0047] (15) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (14),in which the first slit in the first end face and the second slit in thesecond end face are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0048] (16) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (14)or (15), wherein a direction of the flow path and a direction of thesecond slit in the second end face substantially coincide with eachother.

[0049] (17) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (14) to (16), in which the valve element is plate-like, and theinner surfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact witheach other by curving the valve element such that the first end faceside of the valve element is protruded.

[0050] (18) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (17),in which a direction of the curving and a direction of the first slit inthe first end face substantially coincide with each other.

[0051] (19) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (17)or (18), in which a direction perpendicular to the direction of thecurving and a direction of the second slit in the second end facesubstantially coincide with each other.

[0052] (20) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (14) to (19), in which the valve element is deformed such thatinner surfaces of the first slit are brought into press contact witheach other.

[0053] (21) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (14) to (20), in which a compressing force is applied to theentire valve element.

[0054] (22) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (14) to (16), wherein the valve element takes a tubular shape inwhich the first end face is an external peripheral surface and thesecond end face is an internal peripheral surface, and at least a partof the flow path is constituted by a lumen of the valve element.

[0055] (23) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (22),in which a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the valveelement and a direction of the first slit in the first end facesubstantially coincide with each other.

[0056] (24) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (22)or (23), in which the axial direction of the valve element and thedirection of the second slit in the second end face substantiallycoincide with each other.

[0057] (25) A mixing and injecting device according to anyone of theaspects (22) to (24), wherein the valve element is deformed by beingcompressed in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axialdirection of the valve element by the housing.

[0058] (26) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (22) to (25), in which an external shape in a cross section ofthe valve element after deformation is substantially circular.

[0059] (27) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (22) to (26), wherein:

[0060] the housing is tubular and has an opening on a side thereof, andthe first slit is located in the opening;

[0061] the valve element is inserted in the housing; and

[0062] the mixing and injecting device is constituted such that, whenthe opening is viewed from a direction of a straight line that passes aposition deviated by 90° around a central axis of the valve element froma crossing section where the first slit and the second slit cross witheach other and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the valveelement, a part of the external peripheral surface of the valve elementis seen from the opening.

[0063] (28) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (22) to (26), wherein the housing includes a portion higher thanan outer surface of a part where the first slit of the valve elementexists, on an external peripheral side of the valve element and in thevicinity of the first slit.

[0064] (29) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (22) to (26), wherein the housing includes a portion, whichsurrounds a part where the first slit of the valve element exists and ishigher than an outer surface of the part where the first slit exists, onan external peripheral side of the valve element and in the vicinity ofthe first slit.

[0065] (30) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (22) to (29), wherein engaging means for engaging the housingwith the valve element is provided.

[0066] (31) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (22) to (25), wherein the valve element is bent such that thelumen thereof is formed in a V-shape.

[0067] (32) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (31),wherein a crossing section where the first slit and the second slitcross with each other is substantially linear, a direction of thecrossing section and an axial direction of the lumen on one side from abent portion of the valve element substantially coincide with eachother, and the lumen on one side is located on an extended line of thecrossing section.

[0068] (33) A mixing and injecting device according to the aspect (31),wherein a crossing section where the first slit and the second slitcross with each other is substantially linear, and the crossing sectionand a central axis of the lumen on one side from a bent portion of thevalve element substantially coincide with each other.

[0069] (34) A mixing and injecting device according to any one of theaspects (14) to (33), wherein the vicinity of the first slit on thefirst end face has a flat surface or a recessed surface.

[0070] The above-mentioned third object is attained by thirty-fifth toseventy-fifth aspects of the present invention described below.

[0071] (35) A tube including a flow path in the inside, at least a partof which is constituted by a flexible material, characterized in that,

[0072] the tube is provided with at least one inner slit in a closedstate or an opened state that reaches an internal peripheral (innercircumpherential) surface thereof and does not reach an externalperipheral (outer circumpherential) surface thereof.

[0073] (36) A tube according to the aspect (35), wherein the inner slitis provided along an axis of the tube.

[0074] (37) A tube according to the aspect (35) or (36), wherein thetube includes position indicating means for indicating a position of theinner slit.

[0075] (38) A tube according to the aspect (37), in which the positionindicating means is a guidepost provided along the inner slit.

[0076] (39) A tube according to any one of the aspects (35) to (38), inwhich at least one recessed portion or protruded portion is provided inan external peripheral part of the tube.

[0077] (40) A tube according to the aspect (39), in which the recessedportion or protruded portion is provided along the axis of the tube.

[0078] (41) A tube according to any one of the aspects (35) to (40),wherein a connection port is formed by forming an outer slit thatcrosses with the inner slit inside the tube, reaches the externalperipheral (outer circumpherential) surface and does not reach theinternal peripheral (inner circumpherential) surface.

[0079] (42) A tube according to the aspect (41), in which the outer slitand the inner slit are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0080] (43) A tube jointing device characterized by including a tubeaccording to any one of the aspects (35) to (40) and a housing that canbe mounted on the tube.

[0081] (44) A tube jointing device according to the aspect (43), whereinthe housing includes an opened portion from which at least a part of anexternal peripheral surface of the tube can be exposed.

[0082] (45) A tube jointing device according to the aspect (43) or (44),in which the housing is detachably attached to the tube.

[0083] (46) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (45), in which the tube jointing device is constituted to becapable of mounting the housing in an arbitrary position in an axialdirection and/or a peripheral direction of the tube.

[0084] (47) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (46), in which the housing is constituted to be able to move inthe axial direction and/or the peripheral direction of the tube.

[0085] (48) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (47), wherein the housing is constituted such that the housingcan bring the tube into a state in which inner surfaces of an inner slitare brought into press contact with each other.

[0086] (49) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (48), in which at least one recessed portion or protrudedportion is provided in an external peripheral part of the tube and aprotruded portion or a recessed portion engaging with the at least onerecessed portion or protruded portion is provided in the housing.

[0087] (50) A tube jointing device according to the aspect (49), inwhich the recessed portion or the protruded portion of the tube isprovided along an axis of the tube.

[0088] (51) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (50), wherein the tube jointing device includes positionregulating means for regulating a position in at least a peripheraldirection of the housing with respect to the tube.

[0089] (52) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (51), in which a connection port is formed by forming in thetube an outer slit which crosses with the inner slit inside the tube,reaches the external peripheral (outer circumpherential) surface, anddoes not reach an internal peripheral (inner circumpherential) surface.

[0090] (53) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(43) to (51), in which a connection port is formed by forming an outerslit which crosses with the inner slit inside the tube, reaches theexternal peripheral surface, and does not reach an internal peripheralsurface, in a part located inside an opening part of the tube.

[0091] (54) A tube jointing device according to the aspect (52) or (53),in which the outer slit and the inner slit are substantiallyperpendicular to each other.

[0092] (55) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(52) to (54), in which the housing has a function of regulating aposition and/or a direction of the outer slit when the outer slit isformed.

[0093] (56) A tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects(52) to (55), in which the housing has a function of regulating a depthof the outer slit when the outer slit is formed.

[0094] (57) A connection port manufacturing device for forming aconnection port in a tube according to any one of the aspects (35) to(42), characterized in that the connection port manufacturing deviceincludes:

[0095] a tube holding section for detachably holding the tube; and

[0096] a cutter unit that is placed such that the cutter unit can bedisplaced with respect to the tube holding section and is provided witha blade, and

[0097] that the connection port manufacturing device is constituted suchthat the connection port is formed with the blade based on displacementof the cutter unit, by forming an outer slit which crosses with an innerslit inside the tube, reaches an external peripheral (outercircumpherential) surface and does not reach an internal peripheral(inner circumpherential) surface.

[0098] (58) A connection port manufacturing device according to theaspect (57), wherein the connection port manufacturing device isconstituted so as to move the cutter unit in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to an axis of the tube with respect to the tube holdingsection and form the outer slit.

[0099] (59) A connection port manufacturing device according to theaspect (57) or (58) that includes regulating means having a function ofregulating a position, a direction or a depth of the outer slit when theouter slit is formed.

[0100] (60) A connection port manufacturing device according to any oneof the aspects (57) to (59), in which the tube holding section isconstituted so as to be able to hold the tube in a state in which innersurfaces of the inner slit are brought into press contact with eachother.

[0101] (61) A connection port manufacturing device according to any oneof the aspects (57) to (60), in which the tube holding section isconstituted so as to be able to hold the tube in an arbitrary positionin an axial direction and/or a peripheral direction of the tube.

[0102] (62) A connection port manufacturing device according to any oneof the aspects (57) to (61), in which the tube is constituted so as tobe able to move in the axial direction and/or the peripheral directionof the tube with respect to the tube holding section.

[0103] (63) A connection port manufacturing device according to any oneof the aspects (57) to (62) that is constituted so as to form the outerslit such that the outer slit and the inner slit are substantiallyperpendicular to each other.

[0104] (64) A connection port manufacturing device according to any oneof the aspects (57) to (63), in which the tube holding section alsoserves as a housing that is mountable on the tube.

[0105] (65) A connection port manufacturing device according to theaspect (64), in which the housing is a housing according to any one ofthe aspects (43) to (56).

[0106] (66) A tube jointing system characterized by comprising:

[0107] a tube according to any one of the aspects (35) to (42); and

[0108] a blade for forming a connection port by forming in the tube anouter slit that crosses with an inner slit inside the tube, reaches anexternal peripheral (outer circumpherential) surface of the tube, anddoes not reach an internal peripheral (inner circumpherential) surfaceof the tube.

[0109] (67) A tube jointing system according to the aspect (66),comprising a connector that is connectable to the formed connectionport.

[0110] (68) A tube jointing system characterized by including:

[0111] a tube according to the aspect (41) or (42); and

[0112] a connector that is connectable to the formed connection port.

[0113] (69) A tube jointing system characterized by including:

[0114] a tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects (43)to (56); and

[0115] a blade for forming a connection port by forming, in a tube ofthe tube jointing device, an outer slit that crosses with an inner slitinside the tube, reaches an external peripheral (outer circumpherential)surface of the tube, and does not reach an internal peripheral (innercircumpherential) surface of the tube.

[0116] (70) A tube jointing system according to the aspect (69) thatincludes a connector that is connectable to the formed connection port.

[0117] (71) A tube jointing system according to the aspect (70) thatincludes engaging means for engaging the connector with a housing.

[0118] (72) A tube jointing system characterized by including:

[0119] a tube jointing device according to any one of the aspects (52)to (56); and

[0120] a connector that is connectable to a formed connection port.

[0121] (73) A tube jointing system characterized in that the tubejointing system forms a connection port by deciding a position where aconnector is connected to a tube according to any one of the aspects(35) to (42) or a tube jointing device according to any one of theaspects (43) to (56) and forming, in this position, an outer slit thatcrosses with an inner slit inside the tube, reaches an externalperipheral (outer circumpherential) surface of the tube, and does notreach an internal peripheral (inner circumpherential) surface of thetube, and connects the connector to the formed connection port.

[0122] (74) A tube jointing system characterized in that the tubejointing system forms a plurality of connection ports by deciding aplurality of positions where a connector is connected to a tubeaccording to any one of the aspects (35) to (42) or a tube jointingdevice according to any one of the aspects (43) to (56) and forming, ineach of these positions, an outer slit that crosses with an inner slitinside the tube, reaches an external peripheral (outer circumpherential)surface of the tube, and does not reach an internal peripheral (innercircumpherential) surface of the tube, and connects the connector to apredetermined connection port among the formed plurality of connectionports.

[0123] (75) A tube jointing system according to the aspect (73) or (74)that includes engaging means for engaging the connector with a housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0124]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment (naturalstate) of a valve element of the present invention.

[0125]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of amixing and injecting device of the present invention provided with thevalve element shown in FIG. 1.

[0126]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second example (naturalstate) of the first embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention.

[0127]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of thevalve element of the present invention and a second embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention provided with thevalve element.

[0128]FIG. 5(a) is a transverse sectional view of the valve element inthe natural state shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a sectional view(transverse sectional view) taken along line C-C in FIG. 4.

[0129]FIG. 6(a) is a transverse sectional view showing a thirdembodiment (natural state) of the valve element of the presentinvention, and FIG. 6(b) is a transverse sectional view showing a thirdembodiment of the mixing and injecting device of the present inventionprovided with the valve element shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0130]FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are transverse sectional views showing afourth embodiment (natural state) of the valve element of the presentinvention, respectively, and FIG. 7(c) is a transverse sectional viewshowing a fourth embodiment of the mixing and injecting device of thepresent invention provided with the valve element shown in FIG. 7(a) orFIG. 7(b).

[0131]FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view showing a fifth embodimentof the valve element of the present invention and a fifth embodiment ofthe mixing and injecting device of the present invention provided withthe valve element.

[0132]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of thevalve element of the present invention and a sixth embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention provided with thevalve element.

[0133]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a seventh embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention.

[0134]FIG. 11 is a sectional view (transverse sectional view) takenalong line D-D in FIG. 10.

[0135]FIG. 12 is a side view of the mixing and injecting device shown inFIG. 10.

[0136]FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view showing an eighthembodiment of the mixing and injecting device of the present invention.

[0137]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a ninth embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention.

[0138]FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mixing andinjecting device shown in FIG. 14.

[0139]FIG. 16 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) takenalong line G-G in FIG. 15.

[0140]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a tenth embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention.

[0141]FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure ofthe valve element of the mixing and injecting device shown in FIG. 17.

[0142]FIG. 19 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) takenalong line F-F in FIG. 18.

[0143]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a tubejointing system of the present invention.

[0144]FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tubejointing system shown in FIG. 20.

[0145]FIG. 22 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube shown inFIG. 20.

[0146]FIG. 23 is a transverse sectional view showing a first embodimentof a tube jointing device shown in FIG. 20.

[0147]FIG. 24 is a transverse sectional view showing a second embodimentof the tube jointing device of the present invention.

[0148]FIG. 25 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube shown inFIG. 24.

[0149]FIG. 26 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube in a thirdembodiment of the tube jointing device of the present invention.

[0150]FIG. 27 is a transverse sectional view showing a fourth embodimentof the tube jointing device of the present invention.

[0151]FIG. 28 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube shown inFIG. 27.

[0152]FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the tubejointing system of the present invention.

[0153]FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a housing shown in FIG. 29.

[0154]FIG. 31 is a transverse sectional view showing a fifth embodimentof a tube jointing device shown in FIG. 29.

[0155]FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a process of forming aconnection port in the tube jointing device shown in FIG. 31 with acutter.

[0156]FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state in which theconnection port is formed in the tube jointing device shown in FIG. 31.

[0157]FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of aconnection port manufacturing device in another embodiment of the tubejointing system of the present invention, which is in a state in which acutter unit is removed.

[0158]FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the cutter unit of theconnection port manufacturing device shown in FIG. 34, which is in astate in which a part of it is cut out.

[0159]FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the connection portmanufacturing device shown in FIG. 34, which is in a state in which thecutter unit is mounted.

[0160]FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 36.

[0161]FIG. 38 is a perspective view for explaining an action of the tubejointing system shown in FIG. 34.

[0162]FIG. 39 is a perspective view for explaining an action of the tubejointing system shown in FIG. 34.

[0163]FIG. 40 is a perspective view for explaining an action of the tubejointing system shown in FIG. 34.

BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0164] A valve element and a mixing and injecting device using the valveelement, and a tube, a tube jointing device, a connection portmanufacturing device, and a tube jointing system of the presentinvention will be hereinafter described in detail based on preferredembodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0165] First, the valve element of the present invention and the mixingand injecting device using the valve element will be described.

[0166]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment (naturalstate) of the valve element of the preset invention. FIG. 2 is aperspective view showing a first embodiment of the mixing and injectingdevice of the present invention provided with the valve element shown inFIG. 1.

[0167] As shown in these figures, a valve element 2 is constituted by aplate-like elastic body. A shape of the valve element 2 in a naturalstate thereof, that is, a shape of the valve element 2 before it ismounted on a housing 4 discussed later is a substantially rectangularparallelepiped (tabular).

[0168] Here, the “natural state” refers to a state in which an externalforce is not applied to the valve element 2.

[0169] This valve element 2 includes two valve sections (mixing andinjecting ports) 3 arranged in parallel along a direction (directionindicated by arrow B in FIG. 2) perpendicular to a direction of a curveof the valve element 2 discussed later (direction indicated by arrow Ain FIG. 2), that is, a direction of a flow path 61 discussed later. Notethat, since structures of these valve sections 3 are the same, one valvesection 3 will be described representatively.

[0170] A first slit 31 and a second slit 32, which partially cross witheach other in the inside of the valve section 3, are formed in the valvesection 3, respectively.

[0171] The first slit 31 is opened to (reaches) one end face (first endface) 21 of a pair of end faces (surfaces) 21 and 22 (upper end face inFIG. 1) and is not opened to the other end face (second end face) 22(lower end face in FIG. 1).

[0172] Conversely, the second slit 32 is opened to the second end face22 and is not opened to the first end face 21.

[0173] These first slit 31 and second slit 32 cross with each other in across shape, that is, a crossing angle of the first slit 31 and thesecond slit 32 is 90° (the first slit 31 in the end face 21 and thesecond slit 32 in the end face 22 are perpendicular to each other).However, this crossing angle is not limited to 90°.

[0174] In addition, in the natural state, the first slit 31 and thesecond slit 32 are closed, respectively.

[0175] In addition, shapes of the first slit 31 and the second slit 32are arc-shaped (substantially semicircular). However, it goes withoutsaying that the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 are not limited tothis shape.

[0176] In addition, in this embodiment, a crossing section 33 where thefirst slit 31 and the second slit 32 cross with each other is straight.

[0177] In addition, a length L of the crossing section 33 of the firstslit 31 and the second slit 32 is not specifically limited, but ispreferably in the order of 20 to 50% and more preferably in the order of30 to 40% of a thickness of the valve element 2 (in particular,thickness of the valve section 3).

[0178] Further, the thickness of the valve element 2, in particular, thethickness of the valve section 3 is set to a thickness convenient forinserting the valve element 2 according to conditions such as anexternal diameter (diameter) and a length of a hard pipe (pipe body) tobe inserted, a difference of pressures inside and outside the valveelement 2, and a press contact force of the inner surfaces of the secondslit 32. However, the thickness is preferably not less than 0.1 timesand more preferably in the order of 0.3 to 1 time as large as theexternal diameter (diameter) of the hard pipe. In addition, in order tocope with a relatively large difference of pressures inside and outsidethe valve element 2, the thickness is preferably not less than two timesas large as the external diameter (diameter) of the hard pipe.

[0179] Note that, although the thickness of the valve element 2 isuniform in this embodiment, it may not be uniform. For example, thethickness of the valve section 3 of the valve element 2 may be thickeror thinner than thickness of the other parts.

[0180] In addition, a Shore A hardness of the valve element 2 ispreferably in the order of 20 to 80 and more preferably in the order of30 to 50.

[0181] Further, an elongation percentage of a material constituting thevalve element 2 is preferably larger and more preferably not less than500%.

[0182] Examples of a material constituting the valve element 2 includeelastic materials, for example, various kinds of rubbers such as naturalrubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, butadiene rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, fluorinerubber, and silicone rubber, and various kinds of elastomers such aspolyurethane, polyester, polyamide, olefin and styrene elastomers. Oneor more kinds of these materials can be mixed and used.

[0183] In order to manufacture the valve element 2, for example, aplate-like elastic body without the first slit 31 and the second slit 32formed therein is formed, and the first slit 31 and the second slit 32are formed in the obtained elastic body, respectively.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 2, a mixing and injecting device (liquid mixingand injecting device) 1 is constituted by the aforementioned valveelement 2 and the hard housing (holding member) 4.

[0185] The housing 4 is constituted by a housing main body 41 and acover member 42 in which an opening 421 is formed.

[0186] Examples of a material constituting this housing 4 includevarious kinds of resins such as polycarbonate, polysulphone,polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate,polyethylene naphthalate, polyacrylate, polyamide, hard polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), cyclicpolyolefin, fluoroplastic, and poly-(4-methylpentene-1), various kindsof metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, various kindsof ceramics such as alumina, and a composite of these materials.

[0187] The valve element 2 is deformed (elastically deformed) such thatthe end face 21 becomes the outside and the end face 22 becomes theinside, and the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought intopress contact with each other, and the valve element 2 is nipped by thehousing main body 41 of the housing 4 and the cover member 42 in thatstate (deformed state), thereby being secured to the housing 4liquid-tightly. That is, the valve element 2 is held in the deformedstate by the housing 4. Note that the valve sections 3 are placed in theposition of the opening 421, respectively.

[0188] Here, “deformation” refers to a state in which at least a part ofthe valve element 2 changes into a different shape compared with a shapeat the time when no external force is applied to the valve element 2(including the case in which a shape is similar and a dimensionchanges).

[0189] In this embodiment, the valve element 2 is curved in apredetermined direction such that it is formed in a protruded shape onthe outside thereof (upper side in FIG. 2), that is, a protruded shapeon the end face 21 side, whereby the inner surfaces of the second slit32 are brought into press contact with each other. In addition, thefirst slit 31 is closed.

[0190] A direction of the curving of the valve element 2 (directionindicated by arrow A in FIG. 2) is equal to (coincides with) thedirection of the first slit 31 in the end face 21.

[0191] Consequently, the valve element 2 can be curved and the firstslit 31 is kept in the closed state without applying an opening force tothe first slit 31. Thus, cleaning work (e.g., cleaning of the end face21 of the valve element 2) can be performed easily.

[0192] In addition, a direction perpendicular to the direction of thecurving of the valve element 2 (direction indicated by arrow B in FIG.2) and the direction of the second slit 32 in the end face 22 coincidewith each other.

[0193] Consequently, the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 can bebrought into press contact with each other surely.

[0194] Strength of press contact of the inner surfaces of the secondslit 32 can be set in various ways by changing conditions such as aphysical property of the valve element 2, a shape of a slit, and adegree of deformation.

[0195] In addition, a compressing force is preferably applied to theentire valve element 2.

[0196] Consequently, pressures applied to the first slit 31 and thesecond slit 32 (strength of press contact of the inner surfaces of thefirst slit 31 and press contact of the inner surfaces of the second slit32) increases, respectively, and contamination by bacteria or the likecan be prevented more surely.

[0197] Note that specific examples of deformation of a valve elementinclude, other than the case in which the tabular valve element iscurved, the case in which a curved plate-like valve element changes totabular, the case in which a degree of curving of a curved plate-likevalve element is increased or decreased, the case in which the curvedplate-like valve element is curved in the opposite direction, and thecase in which a compressing force or a tensile force is applied to theentirety or a part of a valve element.

[0198] One end side of a tube 51 is connected to this mixing andinjecting device 1 on the left side thereof in FIG. 2 such that a lumenof the tube 51 and a hollow portion 62 of the mixing and injectingdevice 1 communicate with each other.

[0199] In addition, one end side of a not-shown tube is connected to themixing and injecting device 1 on the right side thereof in FIG. 2 suchthat a lumen of the tube and the hollow portion 62 of the mixing andinjecting device 1 communicate with each other.

[0200] Note that a main part of the flow path 61 is constituted by thehollow portion 62 of the mixing and injecting device 1, the lumen of thetube 51, and the lumen of the not-shown tube.

[0201] A direction of this flow path 61 (hollow portion 62) is equal tothe direction of the second slit 32 in the end face 22 of the valveelement 2, that is, the direction perpendicular to a direction of thecurving of the valve element 2 (direction indicated by arrow B in FIG.2).

[0202] An internal diameter (diameter) of the flow path 61 (hollowportion 62) is not specifically limited but is appropriately setaccording to an application and the like. However, it is preferably inthe order of 1 to 20 mm that is a flow path diameter of a general liquidmixing and injecting device for medical use.

[0203] In addition, although not illustrated, in the end face 21 of thevalve element 2, the vicinity of the first slit 31 (the end face 21 inthe valve section 3) is preferably a flat surface or a recessed surface(e.g., curved recessed surface).

[0204] Consequently, when a hard pipe is inserted into the valve section3, the insertion can be performed easily, rapidly and surely.

[0205] That is, since the end face 21 around the valve section 3 of thevalve element 2 is a curved protruded surface (protruded surface) andonly the end surface 21 in the valve section 3 is a flat surface or arecessed surface, a position of the valve section 3 can be graspedeasily and surely. In addition, since the end face 21 in the valvesection 3 is a flat surface or a recessed surface, a hard pipe is lesslikely to slip compared with the case in which the end face 21 is aprotruded surface. Consequently, the hard pipe can be inserted into thevalve section 3 easily.

[0206] Note that it goes without saying that the mixing and injectingdevice 1 can be used not only as a mixing and injecting port but also asa sampling port or a mixing and injecting and sampling port (mixing andinjecting/sampling port), and the like.

[0207] Next, actions of the valve element 2 and the mixing and injectingdevice 1 will be described.

[0208] When, for example, a hard pipe (pipe body) or the like is notinserted in (inserted through) the valve section 3 of the valve element2, as shown in FIG. 2, the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 areclosed, respectively, and the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 arebrought into press contact with each other. Consequently, liquidtightness (air tightness) of the flow path 61 is maintained.

[0209] If, for example, liquid (e.g., drug solution or the like) isside-injected (injected) in the flow path 61 (hollow portion 62) fromanother infusion line or syringe or liquid flowing through the flow path61 is sampled, a not-shown predetermined hard pipe is inserted into thevalve section 3.

[0210] When the hard pipe is inserted from the first slip 31 of thevalve section 3, the inner surfaces of the crossing section 33 of thefirst slit 31 and the second slit 32 are brought into close adherence toan external peripheral surface of the hard pipe, and liquid tightness ismaintained.

[0211] Then, when the hard pipe is inserted, the inner surfaces of thecrossing section 33 are brought into close adherence to the externalperipheral surface of the hard pipe, and liquid tightness is maintained.In this case, since the valve element 2 is curbed such that the innersurfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into press contact with eachother, a width of an opening part of the second slit 32 is controlled tobe minimum. Side-injection and sampling of the liquid are performed inthis state.

[0212] After the side-injection and sampling of the liquid are finished,the hard pipe is pulled out from the valve section 3. In this case,liquid tightness is maintained as in the aforementioned case.

[0213] As described above, according to this valve element 2 (mixing andinjecting device 1), the valve element 2 is curved (deformed) such thatthe inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into press contactwith each other. Thus, liquid tightness is secured and leakage of liquidfrom the valve element 2 can be prevented surely not only when nothingis inserted in (inserted through) the valve section 3 but also when, forexample, a hard pipe is inserted in the valve section 3, when a hardpipe of a different external diameter is inserted in the valve section3, or when a hard pipe is inserted into and pulled out from the valvesection 3.

[0214] In addition, according to this mixing and injecting device 1, thesmooth flow path 61 with little dead space or step where liquid tends tohold up is formed. Consequently, liquid flows smoothly and surely. Thatis, turbulence is less likely to occur, and liquid can be prevented fromholding up.

[0215] In addition, when a syringe, a connector or the like is connectedto the mixing and injecting device 1, since a hard pipe only has to beinserted into the valve section 3, the connecting operation can beperformed easily and safely (connection operability is high).

[0216] Further, since the valve element 2 is curved (deformed) such thatthe inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into press contactwith each other, liquid tightness is secured and leakage of liquid fromthe valve element 2 can be prevented surely not only when nothing isinserted in (inserted through) the valve section 3 but also when, forexample, a hard pipe is inserted in the valve section 3, when a hardpipe of a different external diameter is inserted in the valve section3, or when a hard pipe is inserted into and pulled out from the valvesection 3.

[0217] In addition, since the valve element 2 is curbed such that theinner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into press contact witheach other, if a hard pipe is inserted for a long period, the valveelement 2 is brought into a liquid tight state surely even after thehard pipe is pulled out, and leakage of liquid from the valve element 2can be prevented surely. That is, durability is very high.

[0218] In addition, if a pressure in the flow path 61 rises and thevalve element 2 is deformed such that an area (flow path area) in across section of the flow path 61 (hollow portion 62) increases,strength of press contact of the inner surfaces of the second slit 32increases. Consequently, the liquid in the flow path 61 can be preventedfrom leaking from the valve element 2.

[0219] In addition, if a slight amount of liquid remains in the firstslit 31 or the second slit 32, when the hard pipe is pulled out, thefirst slit 31 and the second slit 32 close, respectively, and the liquidholding up in the slits is completely discharged.

[0220] In addition, since the valve element 2 is curved such that theinner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into press contact witheach other, leakage of liquid from the valve element 2 can be preventedeven if a width of the first slit 31 or the second slit 32 is maderelatively large.

[0221] Further, by making the width of the first slit 31 or the secondslit 32 relatively large, a frictional resistance at the time ofinserting a hard pipe and at the time of pulling it out can be maderelatively small. Consequently, operations such as insertion and pullingout of the hard pipe can be performed more easily.

[0222] In addition, even if the inner surfaces of the first slit 31 orthe second slit 32 are not in contact with the inserted hard pipe overthe entire periphery thereof in the parts other than the crossingsection 33, leakage of liquid from the valve element 2 can be prevented.Therefore, a deformation amount of the valve element 2 (the first slit31 and the second slit 32) at the time when the hard pipe is insertedcan be made relatively small. Consequently, if the hard pipe is insertedfor a long period, the valve element 2 is brought into a liquid tightstate surely even after the hard pipe is pulled out, and leakage ofliquid from the valve element 2 can be prevented surely.

[0223] In addition, since the direction of the first slit 31 in the endface 21 of the valve element 2 is equal to the direction of curving ofthe valve element 2, the first slit 31 can maintain a closed state.Consequently, cleaning work (e.g., cleaning of the end face 21 of thevalve element 2, etc.) can be performed easily.

[0224] In addition, since the direction of the second slit 32 in the endface 22 of the valve element 2 is equal to the direction of the flowpath 61, when liquid flows along the flow path 61, a force in adirection of opening the second slit 32 does not act on the valveelement 2. Consequently, the second slit 32 does not tend to open.

[0225] Further, even if the second slit 32 opens, since the direction ofthe second slit 32 in the end face 22 is equal to the direction of theflow path 61, liquid flows smoothly even in the second slit 32 and inthe vicinity thereof. That is, turbulence does not tend to occur, andliquid can be prevented from holding up.

[0226] In addition, the valve element 2 is simple in structure.

[0227] In addition, by using the valve element 2, the mixing andinjecting device 1 provided with the smooth flow path 61 with littledead space or step where liquid tends to hold up is realized.

[0228] In addition, since it is unnecessary to use a needle, there is anadvantage that coring caused by cutting the valve element 2 with a pointof a needle and leakage of liquid are prevented.

[0229] In addition, the mixing and injecting device 1 is simple instructure.

[0230] Note that, although the number of valve sections 3 of the valveelement 2 is two in the aforementioned embodiment, the number of valvesections 3 of the valve element 2 may be one or three or more in thepresent invention. That is, the number of valve sections 3 of the valveelement 2 may be singular or plural.

[0231] In addition, in the present invention, the valve element 2 may beconstituted such that the first slit 31 is opened in the natural stateand the first slit 31 closes after deformation. In this case, examplesof the first slit 31 in the natural state include a groove or the like.

[0232] In addition, in the present invention, the valve element 2 may beconstituted such that the second slit 32 is opened in the natural stateand the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into presscontact with each other after deformation. In this case, examples of thesecond slit 32 in the natural state include a groove or the like.

[0233] Further, in the present invention, the valve element 2 may beconstituted such that, after deformation, the inner surfaces of thefirst slit 31 and the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are broughtinto contact with each other, respectively. This embodiment (secondexample of the first embodiment) will be hereinafter described.

[0234]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the second example (naturalstate) of the first embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention. Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding pointscommon to the valve element of this embodiment and the valve element 2of the aforementioned first embodiment, and main differences will bedescribed.

[0235] As shown in the figure, the valve member 2 is constituted by aplate-like elastic body, and its shape (external shape) at the time whenit is seen from a direction of an arrow in FIG. 3 in a natural statethereof, that is, its shape at the time when it is seen from thedirection of the arrow in FIG. 3 before it is mounted on the housing 4is substantially trapezoid.

[0236] In this case, a length of a side on the first end face 21 side ofthe trapezoid (upper side in FIG. 3) is set longer than a length of aside on the second end face 22 side (lower side in FIG. 3) (an area ofthe end face 21 is set larger than an area of the end face 22).

[0237] When the valve element 2 is mounted on the housing 4, the valveelement 2 is curved, whereby the inner surfaces of the second slit 32are brought into press contact with each other. In addition, the endface 21 side of the valve element 2 is compressed in a lateral directionin FIG. 3 by the housing 4, whereby the inner surfaces of the first slit31 are brought into press contact with each other.

[0238] Consequently, contamination by bacteria or the like can beprevented more surely.

[0239] In addition, according to this valve element 2 (mixing andinjecting device 1), the same effect as the valve element 2 (mixing andinjecting device 1) of the aforementioned first embodiment is obtained.

[0240] Next, a second embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention and a second embodiment of the mixing and injecting device ofthe present invention provided with the valve element will be described.

[0241]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the second embodiment of thevalve element of the present invention and the second embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention provided with thevalve element. FIG. 5(a) is a transverse sectional view of the valveelement in a natural state thereof shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5(b) is asectional view (transverse sectional view) along line C-C in FIG. 4.Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding points common to thevalve element and the mixing and injecting device of this embodiment andthe valve element 2 of the aforementioned first embodiment and themixing and injecting device 1 of the aforementioned first embodiment,and main differences will be described.

[0242] As shown in these figures, a valve element 7 is constituted by acylindrical (tubular) elastic body and has the valve section 3.

[0243] A first slit 31 of the valve section 3 is opened to an externalperipheral surface (first end face) 71 of the valve element 7 and is notopened to an internal peripheral surface (second end face) 72.

[0244] Conversely, a second slit 32 of the valve section 3 is opened tothe internal peripheral surface 72 of the valve element 7 and is notopened to the external peripheral surface 71.

[0245] Although shapes of the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 arearc-shaped (bow-shaped), it goes without saying that the first slit 31and the second slit 32 are not limited to this shape.

[0246] In this valve element 7, a direction perpendicular to an axialdirection thereof and a direction of the first slit 31 in the externalperipheral surface 71 coincide with each other.

[0247] Consequently, the first slit 31 can be brought into a closedstate, and cleaning work (e.g. cleaning of the external peripheralsurface 71 of the valve element 7, etc.) can be easily performed.

[0248] In addition, the axial direction of the valve element 7 and adirection of the second slit 32 in the internal peripheral surface 72coincide with each other.

[0249] Consequently, the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 can bebrought into press contact with each other more surely.

[0250] Note that a part or a main part of the flow path 61 isconstituted by a lumen 73 of the valve element 7. Therefore, a directionof this flow path 61 (lumen 73) is equal to the axial direction of thevalve element 7, that is, the direction of the second slit 32 in theinternal peripheral surface 72.

[0251] A shape of this valve element 7 in a natural state thereof, thatis, a shape of the valve element 7 before it is mounted on a housing 8is cylindrical as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0252] In order to manufacture the valve element 7, for example, acylindrical elastic body, in which the first slit 31 and the second slit32 are not formed, is subjected to continuous extrusion molding, and thefirst slit 31 and the second slit 32 are formed in the obtained elasticbody, respectively.

[0253] In order to form the second slit 32, for example, a cutter of afixed blade length is inserted from one opening of the valve element 7,and the valve element 7 is cut from the internal peripheral surface 72with the cutter.

[0254] In addition, in order to form the second slit 32, it is alsopossible to, for example, after forming the first slit 31, deform thevalve element 7 such that the first slit 31 is opened, and the valveelement 7 is cut from the opened first slit 31 toward the internalperipheral surface 72 with the cutter.

[0255] Further, in order to manufacture the valve element 7, it is alsopossible to, for example, form a cylindrical elastic body in which thefirst slit 31 is not formed and the second slit 32 is formed as agroove, and form the first slit 31 in the obtained elastic body. Even ifthe second slit 32 is opened in the natural state, the valve element 7functions surely because it is deformed such that the inner surfaces ofthe second slit 32 are brought into press contact with each other.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 4, the mixing and injecting device 1 isconstituted by the aforementioned valve element 7 and the hard housing(holding member) 8.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 5(b), a shape in a cross section of the housing8 is C-shaped. That is, the entire shape of the housing 8 is a shapewith the upper side of the cylinder in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 removed.

[0258] A pair of grooves 81 and 81 are formed along an axial directionof the housing 8 in an external peripheral part of this housing 8. Whena not-shown connector is connected to the mixing and injecting device 1,a pair of pawls of the connector engages with the pair of grooves 81 and81, whereby disengagement of the connector from the mixing and injectingdevice 1 is prevented.

[0259] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the valve element 7 is inserted into thehousing 8 such that the valve section 3 is on the upper side in FIG. 5,the external peripheral surface 71 of the valve section 3 is exposed,and the valve section 3 is located in the position of the housing 8, andis nipped by the housing 8.

[0260] That is, when the crossing section 33 of the first slit 31 andthe second slit 32 are placed on the upper side (upside) in FIG. 5, thevalve element 7 is pressed by a corresponding portion of the housing 8from its side (pressed in a direction substantially perpendicular to theaxial direction of the valve element 7), thereby being deformed suchthat the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into presscontact with each other (slightly squashed in a lateral direction inFIG. 5), and held in the deformed state by the housing 8.

[0261] An external shape and an internal shape of this valve element 7in its cross section after the deformation, that is, an external shapeand an internal shape in its cross section in the state in which it ismounted on the housing 8 are substantially circular, respectively.

[0262] Note that an external diameter (diameter) “a” in a natural stateof the valve element 7 shown in FIG. 5(a) and an internal diameter(diameter) “b” of the housing 8 shown in FIG. 5(b) are set such that theexternal diameter “a” is larger than the internal diameter “b”,respectively.

[0263] For example, one end side of a not-shown tube is connected to aleft side in FIG. 4 of this mixing and injecting device 1 such that alumen of the tube and the lumen 73 of the valve element 7 communicatewith each other. In addition, for example, one end side of a not-showntube is connected to a right side in FIG. 4 such that a lumen of thetube and the lumen 73 of the valve element 7 communicate with eachother. In this case, the main part of the flow path 61 is constituted bythe lumen 73 of the valve element 7 and the lumens of the tubes.

[0264] In addition, this valve element 7 can do without theaforementioned tubes by adjusting its length in the axial direction(making it relatively long). That is, the main part of the flow path 61can be constituted by the lumen 73 of the valve element 7.

[0265] According to this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1), the same effect as the valve element 2 (mixing and injecting device1) of the aforementioned first embodiment is obtained.

[0266] Further, since this valve element 7 is cylindrical, the flow path61 smoother than that of the valve element 2 of the aforementioned firstembodiment is formed. That is, by using the valve element 7, the mixingand injecting device 1 provided with the smooth flow path 61 without adead space or a step where liquid tends to hold up is realized.

[0267] In addition, since the valve element 7 is cylindrical, itfunctions surely even if the second slit 32 is formed in a shape forallowing it to open in the natural state (e.g., groove) or the valveelement 7 is decentered or slightly squashed.

[0268] Note that, although the number of valve sections 3 of the valveelement 7 is one (single) in the aforementioned embodiment, the numberof valve sections 3 of the valve element 7 may be two or more (plural)in the present invention.

[0269] In addition, the valve element 7 may be adhered to the housing 8with, for example, an adhesive.

[0270] In addition, a flat part may be provided on the externalperipheral side of the housing 8 such that stability is increased.

[0271] Further, a connection port connected to the end of the valveelement 7 for connecting another liquid delivery device may be provided.

[0272] Next, a third embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention will be described.

[0273]FIG. 6(a) is a transverse sectional view showing the thirdembodiment (natural state) of the valve element of the presentinvention. FIG. 6(b) is a transverse sectional view showing a thirdembodiment of the mixing and injecting device of the present inventionprovided with the valve element shown in FIG. 6(a). Note thatdescriptions will be omitted regarding points common to the valveelement of this embodiment and the valve element 7 of the aforementionedsecond embodiment, and main differences will be described.

[0274] As shown in the figures, the valve element 7 is constituted by acylindrical (tubular) elastic body in which the lumen 73 is decentered.That is, a thickness (wall thickness) of the valve element 7 is notuniform.

[0275] Further, in this valve element 7, the valve section 3, that is,the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 are arranged in a positionwhere the thickness of the valve element 7 is largest.

[0276] In other words, the thickness of the valve element 7 is set suchthat a thickness of the valve section 3, that is, a thickness of a partwhere the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 are placed becomeslargest.

[0277] According to this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1), the same effect as the valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1) of the aforementioned second embodiment is obtained.

[0278] Further, in this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device 1),since the thickness of the valve section 3 is largest, liquid tightnessis maintained more surely, withstand pressure is higher, and leakage ofliquid from the valve element 7 can be prevented more surely comparedwith the valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device 1) of theaforementioned second embodiment.

[0279] Next, a fourth embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention will be described.

[0280]FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are transverse sectional views showing thefourth embodiment (natural state) of the valve element of the presentinvention, respectively. FIG. 7(c) is a transverse sectional viewshowing a fourth embodiment of a mixing and injecting device of thepresent invention provided with the valve element shown in FIG. 7(a) orFIG. 7(b). Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding pointscommon to the valve element of this embodiment and the valve element 7of the aforementioned second embodiment, and main differences will bedescribed.

[0281] As shown in the figures, the valve element 7 is constituted by atubular elastic body.

[0282] An external shape of this valve element 7 in its cross section ina natural state thereof, that is, an external shape in the cross sectionbefore it is mounted on the housing 8 is substantially elliptical asshown in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b).

[0283] In addition, an internal shape of the valve element 7 in itscross section in a natural state thereof, that is, an internal shape inthe cross section before it is mounted on the housing 8 is substantiallysemicircular as shown in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b).

[0284] Further, an external shape of the valve element 7 in its crosssection after deformation, that is, an external shape in the crosssection in the state in which it is mounted on the housing 8 issubstantially elliptical as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0285] In addition, an internal shape of the valve element 7 in itscross section after deformation, that is, an internal shape in the crosssection in the state in which it is mounted on the housing 8 issubstantially circular as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0286] Further, a thickness (wall thickness) of the valve element 7 isnot uniform, and the valve section 3, that is, the first slit 31 and thesecond slit 32 are arranged in a position where the thickness of thevalve element 7 is largest.

[0287] In other words, the thickness of the valve element 7 is set suchthat a thickness of the valve section 3, that is, a thickness of a partwhere the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 are located becomeslargest.

[0288] In the valve element 7 shown in FIG. 7(a), the second slit 32 isclosed in the natural state.

[0289] In addition, in the valve element 7 shown in FIG. 7(b), thesecond slit 32 is opened in the natural state. That is, the second slit32 in the natural state is a V-shaped groove.

[0290] As described above regarding both the valve element 7 shown inFIG. 7(a) and the valve element 7 shown in FIG. 7(b), after deformation,that is, in the state in which the valve element 7 is mounted on thehousing 8, the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought intopress contact with each other by the deformation as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0291] According to this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1), the same effect as the valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1) of the aforementioned second embodiment is obtained.

[0292] In addition, in this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1), since the external shape in the cross section is changed from asubstantially elliptical shape to a substantially circular shape, liquidtightness is maintained more surely, withstand pressure is higher, andleakage of liquid from the valve element 7 can be prevented more surelycompared with the valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device 1) of theaforementioned second embodiment.

[0293] In addition, since the thickness of the valve section 3 islargest, liquid tightness is maintained more surely, withstand pressureis higher, and leakage of liquid from the valve element 2 can beprevented more surely compared with the valve element 7 (mixing andinjecting device 1) of the aforementioned second embodiment.

[0294] Next, a fifth embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention will be described.

[0295]FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view showing the fifth embodimentof the valve element of the present invention and a fifth embodiment ofa mixing and injecting device of the present invention provided with thevalve element. Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding pointscommon to the valve element of this embodiment and the valve element 7of the aforementioned third embodiment, and main differences will bedescribed.

[0296] As shown in the figure, a pair of grooves 74 and 74 are formedalong an axial direction of the valve element 7 in the externalperipheral part of the valve element 7.

[0297] Further, a pair of ribs (protruded shape) 82 and 82 that canengage with the pair of grooves 74 and 74 are formed in a position inthe internal peripheral part on the upper side in FIG. 8 of the housing8 corresponding to the pair of grooves 74 and 74.

[0298] Consequently, rotation (displacement) of the valve element 7 withrespect to the housing 8, disengagement of the valve element 7 from thehousing 8, and the like can be prevented.

[0299] Note that engaging means (disengagement preventing means) isconstituted by the pair of grooves 74 and 74 and the pair of ribs 82 and82.

[0300] According to this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1), the same effect as the valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1) of the aforementioned third embodiment is obtained.

[0301] Further, since the grooves 74 are provided in this valve element7 and the ribs 82 that can engage with the grooves 74 are provided inthe housing 8, rotation (displacement) of the valve element 7 withrespect to the housing 8, disengagement of the valve element 7 from thehousing 8, for example, disengagement of the valve element 7 from thehousing 8 at the time when an inserted hard pipe is pulled out, and thelike can be prevented.

[0302] In addition, in this valve element 7, the valve element 7 can bemounted on the housing 8 easily compared with the case in which a valveelement and a housing are adhered to each other with an adhesive. Thatis, the mixing and injecting device 1 can be manufactured (assembled)easily.

[0303] Note that, in the present invention, grooves may be provided inthe housing 8 and ribs that can engage with the grooves may be providedin the valve element 7.

[0304] In addition, in the present invention, the engaging means is notlimited to a combination of grooves and ribs, and examples of theengaging means include a combination of recessed portions and protrudedportions, a combination of grooves and protruded portions, and the likein addition to the combination of grooves and ribs.

[0305] Next, a sixth embodiment of the valve element of the presentinvention will be described.

[0306]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the sixth embodiment of thevalve element of the present invention and a sixth embodiment of amixing and injecting device of the present invention provided with thevalve element. Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding pointscommon to the valve element of this embodiment and the valve element 7of the aforementioned third embodiment, and main differences will bedescribed.

[0307] As shown in the figure, the valve element 7 has two valvesections 3 that are arranged in parallel along an axial direction of thevalve element 7, that is a direction of the flow path 61 (lumen 73).

[0308] In this case, the second slit 32 of the two valve sections 3 isconstituted by a common one (one streak of) slit extending along theaxial direction of the valve element 7.

[0309] Consequently, since only one second slit 32 has to be formed inmanufacturing the valve element 7 having a plurality of (two in thisembodiment) valve sections 3, manufacturing is easy and productivity ishigh.

[0310] Note that, as described above, this second slit 32 may be closedor may be opened in the natural state. In both cases, the valve element7 is deformed and the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are broughtinto press contact each other in the state in which the valve element 7is mounted on the housing 8.

[0311] In addition, in the external peripheral surface 71 of the valveelement 7, the vicinity of the first slit 31 (the external peripheralsurface 71 in the valve section 3) is a flat surface or a recessedsurface. Note that, in this embodiment, the external peripheral surface71 in the valve sections 3 is a curved recessed surface as shown in FIG.9.

[0312] Consequently, when a hard pipe is inserted into the valve section3, the insertion can be performed easily, rapidly and surely.

[0313] That is, since the external peripheral surface 71 around thevalve sections 3 of the valve element 7 is a curved protruded surface(protruded surface) and only the external peripheral surface 71 in thevalve sections 3 is a flat surface or a recessed surface, positions ofthe valve sections 3 can be grasped easily and surely. In addition,since the external peripheral surface 71 in the valve sections 3 is aflat surface or a recessed surface, a hard pipe is less likely to slipcompared with the case in which the external peripheral surface 71 is aprotruded surface. Consequently, the hard pipe can be inserted into thevalve section 3 easily.

[0314] In addition, cutout portions 83 are formed as a guidepostindicating positions of the valve sections 3 in a part corresponding toeach valve section 3 in the part on the upper side in FIG. 9 of thehousing 8, respectively.

[0315] Consequently, the positions of the valve sections 3 can begrasped easily and surely.

[0316] Note that, as described above, since the external peripheralsurface 71 in the valve sections 3 is made as a flat surface or arecessed surface and the external peripheral surface 71 becomes aguidepost for indicating the positions of the valve sections 3, it goeswithout saying that the cutout portions 83 may be eliminated.

[0317] In addition, for example, one end side of a not-shown tube isconnected to a left side in FIG. 9 of this mixing and injecting device 1such that a lumen of the tube and the lumen 73 of the valve element 7communicate with each other via a coupling portion 91. In addition, forexample, one end side of a not-shown tube is connected to a right sidein FIG. 9 such that a lumen of the tube and the lumen 73 of the valveelement 7 communicate with each other via a not-shown coupling portion.

[0318] According to this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1), the same effect as the valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device1) of the aforementioned third embodiment is obtained.

[0319] Further, in this valve element 7 (mixing and injecting device 1),the vicinity of the first slit 31 of the external peripheral surfacethereof (the external peripheral surface 71 in the valve sections 3) isa flat surface or a recessed surface. Thus, when a hard pipe is insertedinto the valve sections 3, the insertion can be performed easily,rapidly and surely.

[0320] Note that, in the mixing and injecting devices 1 of theaforementioned second to fifth embodiments and seventh and eighthembodiments discussed later, the vicinity of a first slit in an externalperipheral surface (first end face) of a valve element is preferablemade as a flat surface or a recessed surface (e.g., curved recessedsurface), respectively, as in the mixing and injecting device 1 of thissixth embodiment. Consequently, when a hard pipe (pipe body) is insertedinto a valve section, the insertion can be performed easily, rapidly andsurely.

[0321] Next, a seventh embodiment of the mixing and injecting device ofthe present invention will be described.

[0322]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the seventh embodiment ofthe mixing and injecting device of the present invention. FIG. 11 is asectional view (transverse sectional view) along line D-D in FIG. 10.FIG. 12 is a side view of the mixing and injecting device shown in FIG.10. Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding points common tothe mixing and injecting device of this embodiment and the mixing andinjecting device 1 of the aforementioned third embodiment, and maindifferences will be described.

[0323] As shown in these figures, the housing 8 of the mixing andinjecting device 1 is cylindrical (tubular).

[0324] An opening 84 is formed on the side of the housing 8 and in anintermediate part in an axial direction thereof.

[0325] The valve element 7 is inserted in the housing 8 and is held inthe housing 8 in the state in which the valve element 7 is deformed suchthat the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought into presscontact with each other.

[0326] In this case, the valve section 3 (first slit 31) of the valveelement 7 is located in this opening 84, and the external peripheralsurface 71 of the valve section 3 (the external peripheral surface 71 inthe vicinity of the first slit 31) is exposed from the opening 84.

[0327]FIG. 12 shows the mixing and injecting device 1 at the time whenit is viewed from a direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 10 and FIG.11, that is, the mixing and injecting device 1 at the time when it isviewed from a direction of a straight line 111, which passes a positiondeviating by 90° around a central axis of the valve element 7 from thecrossing section 33 of the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 shown inFIG. 11 and which is perpendicular to an axial direction of the valveelement 7.

[0328] Conditions such as a shape and a dimension of the opening 84 ofthe housing 8 are set such that, when the opening 84 is viewed from adirection of the straight line 111 (direction indicated by arrow E inFIG. 10 and FIG. 11), a part of the external peripheral surface 71 ofthe valve element 7 is seen from the opening 84 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0329] Consequently, in the opening 84 of the housing 8, for example,alcohol cotton or the like is slid in a lateral direction in FIG. 11,that is, along the external peripheral surface 71 of the valve element7, whereby the external peripheral surface 71 of the valve section 3 ofthe valve element 7 (the external peripheral surface 71 in the vicinityof the first slit 31) can be wiped easily and surely and can be cleaned.

[0330] In this case, since a direction of the first slit 31 and a movingdirection of the alcohol cotton substantially coincide with each other,the first slit 31 does not substantially become a resistance, a force ina direction for opening the first slit 31 does not act, and the firstslit 31 can maintain the closed state.

[0331] In addition, since the housing 8 is cylindrical and the valveelement 7 is inserted in the housing 8, the external peripheral surface71 of the valve section 3 of the valve element is placed on a centralaxis side (internal peripheral side) of the housing 8 with respect to anexternal peripheral surface thereof.

[0332] In other words, the housing 8 has a portion, which surrounds apart where the first slit 31 of the valve element 7 exists and is higherthan the external peripheral surface (external surface) 71 of the partwhere the first slit 31 exists, on the external peripheral side of thevalve element 7 and in the vicinity of the first slit 31.

[0333] A thickness (wall thickness) of the housing 8 is preferably inthe order of 0.2 to 10 mm and more preferably in the order of 0.5 to 5mm.

[0334] In addition, a diameter of the opening 84 is preferably in theorder of 0.1 to 30 mm and more preferably in the order of 2 to 10 mm.

[0335] Consequently, a human (living body), an object, or the like canbe more surely prevented from touching the external peripheral surface71 of the valve section 3 of the valve element 7 (external peripheralsurface 71 in the vicinity of the first slit 31) by mistake, andadherence of bacteria or the like on the external peripheral surface 71of the valve section 3 of the valve element 7 can be prevented moresurely.

[0336] According to this mixing and injecting device 1, the same effectas the mixing and injecting device 1 of the aforementioned thirdembodiment is obtained.

[0337] Further, in this mixing and injecting device 1, as describedabove, the external peripheral surface 71 of the valve section 3 of thevalve element 7 (external peripheral surface 71 in the vicinity of thefirst slit 31) can be cleaned easily and surely and, at the same time,peripheral equipment or the like can be prevented or inhibited fromcontacting the external peripheral surface 71 of the valve section 3 ofthe valve element 7 to contaminate the external peripheral surface 71without damaging easiness of the cleaning work.

[0338] In addition, the number of components can be reduced and costreduction can also be achieved compared with the case in which a lid orthe like covering the valve section 3 of the valve member 7 is provided.

[0339] Next, an eighth embodiment of the mixing and injecting device ofthe present invention will be described.

[0340]FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view showing an eighthembodiment of the mixing and injecting device of the present invention.Note that descriptions will be omitted regarding points common to themixing and injecting device of this embodiment and the mixing andinjecting device 1 of the aforementioned seventh embodiment, and maindifferences will be described.

[0341] As shown in the figure, in the external peripheral part of thevalve element 7 of the mixing and injecting device 1, the pair ofgrooves 74 and 74 are formed along an axial direction of the valveelement 7.

[0342] Further, the pair of ribs (protruded shape) 82 and 82 that canengage with the pair of grooves 74 and 74 are formed in a position inthe internal peripheral part in the upper side in FIG. 13 of the housing8 corresponding to the pair of grooves 74 and 74.

[0343] Consequently, rotation (displacement) or the like of the valveelement 7 with respect to the housing 8 can be prevented.

[0344] Note that engaging means is constituted by the pair of grooves 74and 74 and the pair of ribs 82 and 82.

[0345] According to this mixing and injecting device 1, the same effectas the mixing and injecting device 1 of the aforementioned seventhembodiment is obtained.

[0346] Further, since the grooves 74 are provided in the valve element 7of this mixing and injecting device 1 and the ribs 82 that can engagewith the grooves 74 are provided in the housing 8, rotation(displacement) or the like of the valve element 7 with respect to thehousing 8 can be prevented.

[0347] In addition, in this mixing and injecting device 1, the valveelement 7 can be mounted on the housing 8 easily compared with the casein which a valve element and a housing are adhered to each other with anadhesive. That is, the mixing and injecting device 1 can be manufactured(assembled) easily.

[0348] Note that, in the present invention, grooves may be provided inthe housing 8 and ribs that can engage with the grooves may be providedin the valve element 7.

[0349] In addition, in the present invention, the engaging means is notlimited to a combination of grooves and ribs, and examples of theengaging means include a combination of recessed portions and protrudedportions, a combination of grooves and protruded portions, and the likein addition to the combination of grooves and ribs.

[0350] Next, a ninth embodiment of the mixing and injecting device ofthe present invention will be described.

[0351]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the ninth embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention. FIG. 15 is alongitudinal sectional view of the mixing and injecting device shown inFIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) alongline G-G in FIG. 15. Note that descriptions will be omitted regardingpoints common to the mixing and injecting device of this embodiment andthe mixing and injecting device 1 of the aforementioned seventhembodiment, and main differences will be described. In addition, forconvenience of descriptions, an upper side is referred to as “upstream”and a lower side is referred to as “downstream” in FIG. 14, FIG. 15 andFIG. 16.

[0352] As shown in these figures, the valve element 7 of the mixing andinjecting device 1 is bent such that the lumen 73 of the valve element 7is formed in a V-shape, and the valve section 3 is provided in the bentportion 75.

[0353] In addition, the housing 8 is bent in a V-shape, and the opening84 is formed in a part corresponding to the valve section 73 of thehousing 8 and a part in the vicinity of the valve section 73. That is,the valve section 3 (first slit 31) of the valve element 7 is located inthis opening 84, and the external peripheral surface 71 of the valvesection 3 (the external peripheral surface 71 in the vicinity of thefirst slit 31) is exposed from the opening 84.

[0354] In addition, the vicinity of the second slit 32 of the valveelement 7 is compressed in a lateral direction in FIG. 16 by the housing8, whereby the inner surfaces of the second slit 32 are brought intopress contact with each other.

[0355] In order to apply such a compressing force to the valve element 7by the housing 8, for example, the cross section of the valve element 7need only have a substantially ellipsoidal external shape with adirection of the first slit 31 as the longer diameter (major axis).

[0356] A tubular coupling member 131 is secured to an end on adownstream side of this housing 8 (lower side in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15).Further, an upstream side of a tube 141 fits in a downstream side ofthis coupling member 131.

[0357] In addition, a tubular coupling member 132 is secured to an endon an upstream side of this housing 8 (upper side in FIG. 14 and FIG.15). Further, a downstream side of a tube 142 fits in an upstream sideof this coupling member 132.

[0358] Note that a main part of the flow path 61 is constituted by thelumen 73 of the valve element 7, lumens of the coupling members 131 and132, and lumens of the tubes 141 and 142.

[0359] As shown in FIG. 15, in this mixing and injecting device 1, adirection of the crossing section 33 of the first slit 31 and the secondslit 32 and an axial direction of the lumen 73 on the downstream side(one end side) from the bent portion 75 of the valve element 7 coincidewith each other, and the lumen 73 on the downstream side from the bentportion 75 is located on an extended line of the crossing section 33.

[0360] That is, the crossing section 33 and the central axis of thelumen 73 on the downstream side from the bent portion 75 coincide witheach other.

[0361] Consequently, a relatively long hard pipe can be inserted intothe flow path 61 (lumen 73) from the valve section 3 of the valveelement 7.

[0362] In addition, the first slit 31 is provided in the externalperipheral surface 71 of the valve element 7 so as to be perpendicularto a surface formed by an axis of the lumen 73 on the downstream side(one end side) from the bent portion 75 of the valve element 7 and anaxis of the lumen 73 on the upstream side (the other end side) from thebent portion 75 of the valve element 7 (i.e., exactly the surface ofFIG. 15). Moreover, the second slit 32 is provided in the internalperipheral surface 72 of the valve element 7, and the second slit 32 ison a surface identical with this surface.

[0363] In addition, the vicinity of the first slit 31 (externalperipheral surface 71 in the valve section 3) in the external peripheralsurface 71 of the valve element 7 is a flat surface or a recessedsurface.

[0364] Note that, in this embodiment, the external peripheral surface 71in the valve section 3 is a flat surface as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG.15, and a perpendicular line of the external peripheral surface 71 andthe axial direction of the lumen 73 on the downstream side from the bentportion 75 of the-valve element 7 coincide with each other. That is, theperpendicular line and the direction of the crossing section 33 of thefirst slit 31 and the second slit 32 coincide with each other.

[0365] According to this mixing and injecting device 1, the same effectas the mixing and injecting device 1 of the aforementioned seventhembodiment is obtained.

[0366] Further, in this mixing and injecting device 1, a relatively longhard pipe can be inserted into the flow path 61 (lumen 73) from thevalve section 3 of the valve element 7.

[0367] That is, as shown in FIG. 14, after sucking (absorbing) drugsolution from a container containing the drug solution such as anampoule or a vial by an injection instrument 12 constituted byconnecting a blunt needle (tube body) 122 to a top of a syringe 121, theblunt needle 122 can be inserted from the valve section 3 to inject thedrug solution without removing the blunt needle 122.

[0368] Consequently, the trouble of removing the blunt needle 122 fromthe syringe 121 is eliminated and, at the same time, the drug solutioncan be prevented from being contaminated when the blunt needle 122 isremoved and a medicine such as an anticancer drug can be prevented fromcontacting medical personnel, and drug solution can be injected easily,promptly and surely.

[0369] Note that it is also possible to adjust the thickness (wallthickness) of the valve section 3 of the valve element 7 such that drugsolution can be side-injected using a relatively short hard pipe (tubebody).

[0370] In addition, it goes without saying that drug solution can beside-injected with a hard pipe with a length equivalent to the thickness(wall thickness) of the valve section 3 of the valve element 7.

[0371] Next, a tenth embodiment of the mixing and injecting device ofthe present invention will be described.

[0372]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the tenth embodiment of themixing and injecting device of the present invention. FIG. 18 is aperspective view showing an example of a structure of a valve element ofthe mixing and injecting device shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a sectionalview (longitudinal sectional view) along line F-F in FIG. 18. Note thatdescriptions will be omitted regarding points common to the mixing andinjecting device of this embodiment and the mixing and injecting device1 of the aforementioned fifth embodiment, and main differences will bedescribed.

[0373] As shown in these figures, a protruded portion 76 is formed on aninternal peripheral side of the valve section 3 of the valve element 7of the mixing and injecting device 1 (in the vicinity of the crossingsection 33).

[0374] In other words, a thickness of the valve element 7 is set suchthat a thickness of the valve section 3 (thickness in the vicinity ofthe crossing section 33), that is, a thickness of a part where the firstslit 31 and the second slit 32 are located becomes largest in an axialdirection and a peripheral direction of the valve element 7,respectively.

[0375] Note that it is preferable that the protruded portion 76 isrelatively small and has a smooth shape. Consequently, liquid can flowmore smoothly and surely.

[0376] According to this mixing and injecting device 1, the same effectas the mixing and injecting device 1 of the aforementioned fifthembodiment is obtained.

[0377] Next, a tube, a tube jointing device, a connection portmanufacturing device, and a tube jointing system of the presentinvention will be described.

[0378]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the tubejointing system of the present invention. FIG. 21 is an enlargedperspective view showing a part of the tube jointing system shown inFIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube shown inFIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube jointingdevice (first embodiment) shown in FIG. 20.

[0379] As shown in these figures, a tube jointing system 10 includes atube jointing device 20 and a connector 50.

[0380] Further, the tube jointing device 20 includes a tube 30 and ahard housing 40 to be mounted on the tube 30, and the tube 30 isconstituted by a cylindrical elastic body. Note that the housing 40 maybe detachably attached to the tube 30 or may be constituted such that itcannot be removed from the tube 30 after being mounted thereon. However,the housing 40 is preferably constituted such that it cannot be removedfrom the tube 30 after being mounted thereon.

[0381] As shown in FIG. 21, an inner slit 303 in a closed state, whichreaches an internal peripheral surface 302 and does not reach anexternal peripheral surface 301, is provided in the tube 30 as shown inFIG. 21. This inner slit 303 is formed along an axis of the tube 30.

[0382] Note that the inner slit 303 may be opened when the housing 40 isnot mounted if, when the housing 40 is mounted, the inner slit 303 inthe part of the housing 40 is closed (preferably, inner surfaces of theinner slit 303 are brought into press contact with each other).

[0383] A thickness of a part where this inner slit 303 of the tube 30 isprovided is set thicker than the other parts.

[0384] In addition, this thickness of the part where the inner slit 303of the tube 30 is provided is not specifically limited. However, athickness of the tube 30, in particular, a thickness of the tube 30 inthe part where the inner slit 303 is provided is preferably set to athickness convenient for inserting a pipe according to conditions suchas an external diameter (diameter) and a length of a hard pipe (tubebody) 501 of the connector 50 to be inserted in a connection port 300discussed later, a difference of pressures inside and outside the tube30, and a press contact force of the inner surfaces of the inner slit303, and more specifically, is preferably 0.1 times or more and morepreferably in the order of 0.3 to 1 time as large as the externaldiameter (diameter) of the pipe 501. In addition, in order to cope witha relatively large difference of pressures inside and outside the tube30, the thickness is preferably twice as large as the external diameter(diameter) of the pipe 501.

[0385] Note that the thickness of the tube 30 is not uniform in thisembodiment but may be uniform in the present invention.

[0386] In addition, although a length (depth) L1 of the inner slit 303is not specifically limited, the length is preferably in the order of 20to 80% and more preferably in the order of 50 to 70% of a thickness ofthe tube 30 in a part where the inner slit 303 is provided.

[0387] Further, a guidepost (position indicating means) 304 is providedalong the inner slit 303 on the external peripheral surface 301 of thetube 30. A position of the inner slit 303 can be grasped according tothis guidepost 304.

[0388] Examples of the guidepost 304 include a continuous line as shownin the figure, a discontinuous line, a plurality of points or the likeformed by printing or the like, a recessed portion like a groove, andthe like.

[0389] In addition, a groove 305 is formed in an external peripheralpart of the tube 30 along an axis thereof. This groove 305 is formed ina position turned by approximately 180° from the inner slit 303 aroundthe axis of the tube 30.

[0390] Note that this groove 305 of the tube 30 may be a recessedportion.

[0391] In addition, connectors 601 that can be connected to not shownconnection portions in a liquid tight state (air tight state) aresecured to both ends of the tube 30.

[0392] Examples of a material constituting the tube 30 include elasticmaterials, for example, various kinds of rubbers such as natural rubber,isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadienerubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, fluorine rubber, and siliconerubber, and various kinds of elastomers such as polyurethane, polyester,polyamide, olefin and styrene elastomers. One or more kinds of thesematerials can be mixed and used.

[0393] Note that, although the tube 30 is constituted by an elastic bodyin this embodiment, only a part of it has to be constituted by aflexible material in the present invention.

[0394] The housing 40 is constituted such that it can be mounted on thetube 30 by selecting an arbitrary position in an axial directionthereof.

[0395] A shape in a cross section of this housing 40 is substantiallyC-shaped. That is, an opened portion 403 for exposing a part of theexternal peripheral surface 301 of the tube 30 when the housing 40 ismounted on the tube 30 is formed in the housing 40.

[0396] In addition, a rib 401 for engaging with the groove 305 of thetube 30 when the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30 is formed in thehousing 40. This rib 401 is arranged such that the inner slit 303 isplaced in the central part of the opened portion 403 when the housing 40is mounted on the tube 30.

[0397] When the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, the rib 401engages with the groove 305, whereby the housing 40 is prevented frommoving (rotating) in a peripheral direction with respect to the tube 30.

[0398] Therefore, position regulating means for regulating a position inthe peripheral direction of the housing 40 with respect to the tube 30is constituted by the rib 401 and the groove 305.

[0399] Note that the rib 401 of this housing 40 may be a protrudedportion.

[0400] When this housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, the tube 30 isdeformed (elastically deformed) by the housing 40 such that the innersurfaces of the inner slit 303 are brought into press contact with eachother, and the tube 30 is held (nipped) by the housing 40. Consequently,the housing 40 is prevented from moving with respect to the tube 30 inan axial direction thereof.

[0401] Here, “deformation” refers to a state in which at least a part ofthe tube 30 changes to a different shape compared with a shape at thetime when no external force is applied to the tube 30 (including thecase in which a shape is similar and a dimension changes).

[0402] However, the housing 40 can be moved with respect to the tube 30in an axial direction thereof by slightly opening the housing 40 towardthe outside. In this case, the groove 305 of the tube 30 functions as aguide in moving the housing 40 in the axial direction.

[0403] In addition, a pair of grooves 404 and 404 that can engage withpawls 5041 and 5041 of a pair of elastic pieces 504 and 504 of theconnector 50 discussed later are formed in the external peripheral partof the housing 40.

[0404] The grooves 404 extend in an axial direction of the housing 40(axial direction of the tube 30 at the time when the housing 40 ismounted on the tube 30), respectively.

[0405] In addition, a pair of cutout portions 405 and 405 that canengage with the pair of elastic pieces 504 and 504 of the connector 50discussed later are formed on an external peripheral side of an end onthe upper side in FIG. 21 of the housing 40.

[0406] Examples of a material constituting this housing 40 includevarious kinds of resins such as polycarbonate, polysulphone,polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate,polyethylene naphthalate, polyacrylate, polyamide, hard polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), cyclicpolyolefin, fluoroplastic, and poly-(4-methylpentene-1), various kindsof metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, various kindsof ceramics such as alumina, and a composite of these materials.

[0407] In this tube jointing device 20, the connection port 300 isformed by forming an outer slit 307, which crosses with the inner slit303 in the inside of the tube 30, reaches the external peripheralsurface 301, and does not reach the internal peripheral surface 302, inthe position of the opened portion 403 of the tube 30. Note that amethod of forming the outer slit 307 will be described later.

[0408] In this embodiment, this outer slit 307 and the inner slit 303cross with each other in a cross shape, that is, a crossing angle of theouter slit 307 and the inner slit 303 is 90°. However, this crossingangle is not limited to 90°.

[0409] In addition, as described above, the inner surfaces of the innerslit 303 of the connection portion 300 are brought into press contactwith each other, and the outer slit 307 is closed.

[0410] Further, in this embodiment, a crossing section 38 where theouter slit 307 and the inner slit 303 cross with each other is linear.

[0411] A length L2 of this crossing section 38 of the outer slit 307 andthe inner slit 303 is not specifically limited, but is preferably in theorder of 20 to 50% and more preferably in the order of 30 to 40% of athickness of the tube 30 of the part of the connection port 300.

[0412] The connector 50 includes the hard pipe (tube body) 501 on itstip side (lower side in FIG. 21) and includes a female luer 503 on itsbase end side (upper side in FIG. 21).

[0413] For example, a not-shown syringe or the like can be connected tothis female luer 503.

[0414] Note that a not-shown tube may be connected to the base end sideof the connector 50.

[0415] In addition, an expanded diameter portion 502 having an externaldiameter larger than the external diameter of the pipe 501 is providedon a base end side of the pipe 501 of the connector 50. When theconnector 50 is connected to the connection port 300 of the tube 30,that is, when the pipe 501 of the connector 50 is inserted into theconnection port 300 of the tube 30, this expanded diameter portion 502abuts the external peripheral surface 301 of the tube 30, whereby aninsertion depth of the pipe 501 into the tube 30 is regulated.

[0416] A length of the pipe 501 is preferably set longer than athickness of the tube 30 in the part of the connection port 300 and to adegree that does not allow the tip of the pipe 501 to contact theinternal peripheral surface 302 on the opposite side of the connectionport 300 of the tube 30 when the connector 50 is connected to theconnection port 300.

[0417] In addition, the opposed pair of elastic pieces 504 and 504 areformed in the external peripheral part of the connector 50. The elasticpieces 504 are vertically provided toward the axial direction of theconnector 50, respectively, and the pawls 5041 projecting toward thepipe 501 side are formed in tip portions thereof, respectively.

[0418] Note that engaging means is constituted by the elastic pieces 504of this connector 50 and the grooves 404 of the housing 40.

[0419] Examples of a material constituting this connector 50 include thesame ones as those for the housing 40.

[0420] Next, actions of the tube jointing system 10 will be described.

[0421] First, a predetermined position in the axial direction of thetube 30 (position to which the connector 50 is to be connected) isselected, and the housing 40 is mounted on the position.

[0422] When the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, the rib 401engages with the groove 305, the inner slit 303 is located in thecentral part of the opened portion 403 of the housing 40, and thehousing 40 is prevented from moving (rotating) with respect to the tube30 in a peripheral direction thereof. In addition, the tube 30 is heldby the housing 40, whereby the housing 40 is prevented from moving withrespect to the tube 30 in an axial direction thereof.

[0423] Subsequently, for example, the outer slit 307 is formed in a partlocated in the opened portion 403 of the tube 30 with a not-shown cutter(blade) or the like while confirming a position of the inner slit 303according to the guidepost 304. Consequently, the connection port 300 isformed.

[0424] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 21, the connector 50 is connectedto the connection port 300 of the tube.

[0425] In this case, the connector 50 is grasped by fingers, and thepipe 501 of the connector 50 is located in the position of theconnection port 300 and pushed into the connection port 300.Consequently, the pipe 501 is inserted into the tube 30 from theconnection port 300, and at the same time, the elastic pieces 504 of theconnector 50 move along the cutout portions 405 of the housing 40,respectively, and the pawls 5041 of the elastic pieces 504 engage withthe grooves 404, respectively.

[0426] In this case, the pawls 5041 of the elastic pieces 504 engagewith the grooves 404, respectively, whereby a position of the connector50 with respect to the tube 30 and the housing 40 is regulated. That is,excessive insertion of the pipe 501 is prevented and, at the same time,disengagement of the pipe 501 after insertion is prevented.

[0427] In addition, the pawls 5041 of the elastic pieces 504 engage withthe grooves 404, respectively, and the elastic pieces 504 engage withthe cutout portions 405, respectively, whereby a posture of theconnector 50 with respect to the housing 40 is maintained.

[0428] When the pipe 501 is inserted in the connection port 300, theinner surface of the crossing section 38 is in close adherence to theexternal peripheral surface of the pipe 501, and liquid tightness (airtightness) is maintained. In this state, for example, mixing andinjection (side-injection) or sampling of liquid is performed.

[0429] Note that, in this tube jointing system 10, the connector 50 canbe removed to connect another connector 50.

[0430] In addition, in this tube jointing system 10, the connection port300 may be formed while the tube jointing system 10 is used or may beformed in advance before using the tube jointing system 10.Consequently, the tube jointing system 10 is used in extremely variousways.

[0431] Further, this tube jointing system 10 can be used as describedbelow.

[0432] First, a plurality of positions where the connector 50 isconnected to the tube 30 are determined, and the housing 40 is mountedin each of these positions.

[0433] Subsequently, the outer slit 307 is formed in a part of the tube30 located in the opened portion 403 of each of the housing 40.Consequently, a plurality of connection ports 300 are formed.

[0434] Subsequently, the connector 50 is connected to a predeterminedconnection port 300 among the formed plurality of connection ports 300.

[0435] In addition, the connector 50 can be reconnected to anotherconnection port 300 in the course of forming a flow path.

[0436] Further, connectors 50 can be connected to the plurality ofconnection ports 300, respectively.

[0437] As described above, according to this tube jointing system 10,the connection port 300 can easily be formed in an arbitrary position ofthe tube 30, and various types of flow path circuit formation can beperformed.

[0438] In addition, a position of the inner slit 303 can be graspedaccording to the guidepost 304, whereby the connection port 300 can beformed surely.

[0439] In addition, a smooth flow path without a dead space or a stepwhere liquid tends to hold up is formed. Consequently, liquid flowssmoothly and surely. That is, turbulence is less likely to occur, andliquid can be prevented from holding up.

[0440] In addition, an operation at the time of connecting the connector50 to the connection port 300 can be performed easily and safely(connection operability is high).

[0441] Further, since the inner surfaces of the inner slit 303 are inpress contact with each other, liquid tightness is secured and leakageof liquid from the tube 30 can be prevented surely not only when nothingis inserted in (inserted through) the connection port 300 but also when,for example, the pipe 501 is inserted in the connection port 300, when apipe of a different external diameter is inserted in the connection port300, or when the pipe 501 is inserted into and pulled out from theconnection port 300.

[0442] In addition, since the inner surfaces of the inner slit 303 arein press contact with each other, if the pipe 501 is inserted for a longperiod, the tube 30 is brought into a liquid tight state surely evenafter the pipe 501 is pulled out, and leakage of liquid from the tube 30can be prevented surely. That is, durability is very high.

[0443] In addition, if a slight amount of liquid remains in the outerslit 307 or the inner slit 303, when the pipe 501 is pulled out, theouter slit 307 and the inner slit 303 close, respectively, and theliquid that has held up in the slits is completely discharged.

[0444] In addition, since the inner surfaces of the inner slit 303 arein press contact with each other, even if the width of the outer slit307 is made relatively large, leakage of liquid from the tube 30 can beprevented.

[0445] Further, by making the width of the outer slit 307 relativelylarge, a frictional resistance at the time of inserting the pipe 501 andat the time of pulling it out can be made relatively small.Consequently, operations such as insertion and pulling out of the pipe501 can be performed more easily.

[0446] In addition, even if the inner surfaces of the outer slit 307 orthe inner slit 303 in a part other than a cross section 308 are not incontact with the inserted pipe 501 over the entire periphery thereof,leakage of liquid from the tube 30 can be prevented. Consequently, adeformation amount of the tube 30 (the outer slit 307 and the inner slit303) at the time when the pipe 501 is inserted can be made relativelysmall. Consequently, if the pipe 501 is inserted for a long period, thetube 30 is brought into a liquid tight state surely even after the pipe501 is pulled out, and leakage of liquid from the tube 30 can beprevented surely.

[0447] In addition, the tube jointing system 10 is simple in structure.

[0448] Note that, in the present invention, the housing 40 may beconstituted such that it can be mounted in an arbitrary position in theperipheral direction of the tube 30 or may be constituted such that itcan be mounted in an arbitrary position in the axial direction and theperipheral direction of the tube 30.

[0449] In addition, in the present invention, the housing 40 may beconstituted such that it can move in the peripheral direction of thetube 30 or may be constituted such that it can move in the axialdirection and the peripheral direction of the tube 30.

[0450] In addition, in the present invention, a not-shown tube connectedto the base end side of the connector 50 may be constituted like, forexample, the aforementioned tube 30. That is, the not-shown tube may beconstituted such that a connection port can be formed in an arbitraryposition of the not-shown tube connected to the base end side of theconnector 50, and a not-shown connector can be connected to the formedconnection port. Consequently, more various types of flow path circuitformation can be performed.

[0451] Further, in the present invention, the tube 30 may be branched inthe middle. In this case, for example, a connection port can be selectedto perform various types of mixing and injection, sampling or the likevia a branching point (branching section).

[0452] Next, a second embodiment of the tube joining device of thepresent invention will be described. Note that descriptions will beomitted regarding points common to the tube jointing device of thisembodiment and the tube jointing device 20 of the aforementioned firstembodiment, and main differences will be described.

[0453]FIG. 24 is a transverse sectional view showing the secondembodiment of the tube jointing device of the present invention. FIG. 25is a transverse sectional view showing a tube shown in FIG. 24.

[0454] As shown in FIG. 25, an external shape in a cross section of thetube 30 of this tube jointing device 20 is substantially elliptical.

[0455] A rib 306 is formed in the external peripheral part of the tube30 along an axis thereof. This rib 306 is formed in a position turned byapproximately 180° from the inner slit 303 around the axis of the tube30.

[0456] Note that the rib 306 of the tube 30 may be a protruded portion.

[0457] In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, a groove 402 with which the rib306 of the tube 30 engages when the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30is formed in the housing 40. This groove 402 is arranged such that theinner slit 303 is located in the central part of the opened portion 403when the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30.

[0458] When the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, the rib 306engages with the groove 402, whereby the housing 40 is prevented frommoving (rotating) in a peripheral direction with respect to the tube 30.

[0459] Therefore, position regulating means for regulating a position inthe peripheral direction of the housing 40 with respect to the tube 30is constituted by the rib 306 and the groove 402.

[0460] Note that this groove 402 of the housing 40 may be a recessedportion.

[0461] According to this tube jointing device 20, the same effect as thetube jointing device 20 of the aforementioned first embodiment isobtained, for example, the connection port 300 can be formed easily inan arbitrary position.

[0462] Next, a third embodiment of the tube jointing device of thepresent invention will be described. Note that descriptions will beomitted regarding points common to the tube jointing device of thisembodiment and the tube jointing device 20 of the aforementioned secondembodiment, and main differences will be described.

[0463]FIG. 26 is a transverse sectional view showing a tube in the thirdembodiment of the tube jointing device of the present invention.

[0464] As shown in the figure, the inner slit 303 in an open state,which reaches the inner peripheral surface 302 and does not reach theexternal peripheral surface 301, is provided in the tube 30 of this tubejointing device 20. A shape in a cross section of this slit 303 isV-shaped.

[0465] According to this tube jointing device 20, the same effect as thetube jointing device 20 of the aforementioned second embodiment isobtained, for example, the connection port 300 can be formed easily inan arbitrary position.

[0466] Next, a fourth embodiment of the tube jointing device of thepresent invention will be described. Note that descriptions will beomitted regarding points common to the tube jointing device of thisembodiment and the tube jointing device 20 of the aforementioned thirdembodiment, and main differences will be described.

[0467]FIG. 27 is a transverse sectional view showing the fourthembodiment of the tube jointing device of the present invention. FIG. 28is a transverse sectional view showing a tube shown in FIG. 27.

[0468] As shown in FIG. 28, a pair of grooves 309 and 309 are formed inthe external peripheral part of the tube 30 of this tube jointing device20 along an axis thereof. Each groove 309 is arranged symmetrically withrespect to the inner slit 303 of the tube 30.

[0469] In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, a pair of ribs 406 and 406,which engage with the pair of grooves 309 and 309 of the tube 30 whenthe housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, are formed on the innerperipheral side of the end on the upper side in FIG. 27 of the housing40.

[0470] When the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, the ribs 406engage with the corresponding groove 309, respectively, the housing 40is prevented from moving (rotating) in a peripheral direction withrespect to the tube 30, and the inner slit 303 is placed in the centralpart of the opened portion 403.

[0471] Therefore, position regulating means for regulating a position inthe peripheral direction of the housing 40 with respect to the tube 30is constituted by the ribs 406 and the grooves 309.

[0472] According to this tube jointing device 20, the same effect as thetube jointing device 20 of the aforementioned third embodiment isobtained, for example, the connection port 300 can be formed easily inan arbitrary position.

[0473] Next, another embodiment of the tube jointing system of thepresent invention will be described. Note that descriptions will beomitted regarding points common to the tube jointing system of thisembodiment and the tube jointing system 10 of the aforementionedembodiment, and main differences will be described.

[0474]FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the tubejointing system of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a perspective viewshowing a housing shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a transverse sectionalview showing a tube jointing device (fifth embodiment) shown in FIG. 29.

[0475] As shown in these figures, the rib 306 is formed in the externalperipheral part of the tube 30 along an axis thereof. This rib 306 isformed in a position turned by approximately 180° from the inner slit303 around the axis of the tube 30.

[0476] In addition, an opened portion 407, which engages with the rib306 of the tube 30 when the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, isformed in the housing 40.

[0477] When the housing 40 is mounted on the tube 30, the rib 306engages with the opened portion 407, and the housing 40 is preventedfrom moving (rotating) in a peripheral direction with respect to thetube 30.

[0478] Therefore, position regulating means for regulating a position inthe peripheral direction of the housing 40 with respect to the tube 30is constituted by the rib 306 and the opened portion 407.

[0479] In addition, an opening (opened portion) 408 is formed on theopposite side from the opened portion 407 of the external peripheralpart of the housing 40. This opening 408 is formed in the central partin the axial direction of the housing 40. Note that, when the housing 40is mounted on the tube 30, a part of the external peripheral surface 301of the tube 30 is exposed from this opening 408.

[0480] In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, a tube 701 is connected to abase end side (upper side in FIG. 29) of the connector 50.

[0481] According to this tube jointing system 10, the same effect as thetube jointing system 10 of the aforementioned embodiment is obtained,for example, the connection port 300 can be formed easily in anarbitrary position.

[0482] The tube jointing system 10 of each embodiment described abovefurther includes a cutter as a blade for forming the connection port 300by forming the outer slit 307 in the tube 30. The tube jointing system10 shown in FIG. 29 will be hereinafter described representatively.

[0483]FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a process of forming aconnection port in the tube jointing device shown in FIG. 31 with acutter. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state in which aconnection port is formed in the tube jointing device shown in FIG. 31.

[0484] As shown in FIG. 32, the tube jointing system 10 further includesa cutter 90. A blade 901 having a linear blade surface is formed in thiscutter 90.

[0485] In the case in which the connection port 300 is formed, as shownin FIG. 32, the cutter 90 is placed in the opening 408 of the housing40, and the blade 901 of the cutter 90 is caused to abut a lowest part(bottom) 4082 of an edge portion 4081 facing the opening 408 of thehousing 40. Then, the cutter 90 is moved along the bottom 4082 of theedge portion 4081. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 33, the outer slit 307is formed in the tube 30. That is, the connection port 300 is formed.

[0486] In this case, a position and a direction of the blade 901 of thecutter 90, that is, a position and a direction of the outer slit 307 areregulated by the bottom 4082 of the edge portion 4081.

[0487] In addition, a depth of the outer slit 307 is regulated by thebottom 4082 of the edge portion 4081.

[0488] Consequently, the outer slit 307 can be formed easily andaccurately.

[0489] Next, another embodiment of the tube jointing system of thepresent invention will be described. Note that descriptions will beomitted regarding points common to the tube jointing system of thisembodiment and the tube jointing system 10 of the aforementioned eachembodiment, and main differences will be described.

[0490]FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of aconnection port manufacturing device in another embodiment of the tubejointing system of the present invention, which is in a state in which acutter unit is removed. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a cutterunit of the connection port manufacturing device shown in FIG. 34, whichis in a state in which a part of the cutter unit is cut out. FIG. 36 isa perspective view showing a connection port manufacturing device shownin FIG. 34, which is in a state in which the cutter unit is mounted.FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 36.

[0491] As shown in these figures, the tube jointing system 10 includes aconnection port manufacturing device 80, and the not-shown tube 30 andconnector 50.

[0492] The connection port manufacturing device 80 is constituted by aconnection port manufacturing device main body 801 for detachablyholding the tube 30 and a cutter unit 802 that is set such that it canbe displaced with respect to the connection port manufacturing devicemain body 801.

[0493] The cutter unit 802 is constituted by a plate-like member, and anoverall shape of the cutter unit 802 is substantially U-shaped. That is,the cutter unit 802 is constituted by a pair of flat portions 8021 and8022 opposedly arranged substantially in parallel with each other and acurved portion 8023 connected to the left side in FIG. 34 of the flatportions 8021 and 8022.

[0494] An opening 8024 is formed in a central part of the curved portion8023 of the cutter unit 802.

[0495] In addition, a substantially triangular blade 8025 is fixed onthe side opposed to the flat portion 8022 of the flat portion 8021 ofthe cutter unit 802.

[0496] A direction of the blade 8025 is set so as to coincide with amoving direction of the flat portion 8021 at the time when the outerslit 307 is formed in the tube 30.

[0497] In addition, the blade 8025 is arranged substantially in themiddle of a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flatportion 8021.

[0498] In addition, a rib 8026 is formed in a tip portion on the sideopposed to the flat portion 8021 of the flat portion 8022 of the cutterunit 802.

[0499] Further, step portions 8027 are formed in both ends in adirection perpendicular to the moving direction of the flat portion 8021of the curved portion 8023 of the cutter unit 802, respectively.

[0500] The connection port manufacturing device main body 801 includes abase 803 and a tube holding section 804 that is provided in this base803 and detachably holds the tube 30.

[0501] The tube holding section 804 also serves as the aforementionedhousing 40 and a shape in its cross section is substantially C-shaped.That is, an opened portion 8041, which exposes a part of the externalperipheral surface 301 of the tube 30 when the tube 30 is mounted on thetube holding section 804, is formed on the upper side in FIG. 34 of thetube holding section 804.

[0502] In addition, a pair of grooves 8042 and 8042 are formed on theupper side in FIG. 34 of the tube holding section 804 and in a partwhere the blade 8025 of the cutter unit 802 passes. A depth of thegroove 8042 is set larger than a height of the blade 8025 of the cutterunit 802.

[0503] Further, a groove 8043 that can engage with the rib 8026 of thecutter unit 802 is formed in the external peripheral part of the tubeholding section 804.

[0504] This groove 8043 extends in an axial direction of the tubeholding section 804 (axial direction of the tube 30 at the time when thetube 30 is mounted on the tube holding section 804).

[0505] Further, a pair of grooves 8044 and 8044 that can engage with thepawls 5041 and 5041 of the pair of elastic pieces 504 and 504 of theconnector 50 is formed in the external peripheral part of the tubeholding section 804.

[0506] The grooves 8044 extend in the axial direction of the tubeholding section 804 (axial direction of the tube 30 at the time when thetube 30 is mounted on the tube holding section 804), respectively.

[0507] Note that engaging means is constituted by the elastic pieces 504of the aforementioned connector 50 and the grooves 8044.

[0508] When the tube 30 is mounted on the tube holding section 804 ofthe connection port manufacturing device main body 801, the tube 30 isdeformed (elastically deformed) by the tube holding section 804 suchthat the inner surfaces of the inner slit 303 are brought into presscontact with each other, and the tube 30 is held (nipped) by the tubeholding section 804. Consequently, the tube 30 is prevented from movingwith respect to the tube holding section 804 in an axial direction and aperipheral direction thereof.

[0509] However, the tube 30 can be moved with respect to the tubeholding section 804 in the axial direction and the peripheral directionthereof by slightly opening the tube holding section 804 toward theoutside.

[0510] In addition, in the base 803, a pair of projections 8031 and8031, a pair of projections 8033 and 8033, and a pair of projections8032 and 8032 are provided, which abut a surface on the lower side inFIG. 37 of the flat portion 8021 of the cutter unit 802, a surface onthe upper side in FIG. 37 of the flat portion 8021, and a surface on thelower side in FIG. 37 of the flat portion 8022, respectively, when thecutter unit 802 is mounted on this connection port manufacturing devicemain body 801. Note that the projections 8031 and 8033 are arranged onthe upper side in FIG. 37 of the base 803, and the projections 8032 arearranged on the lower side in FIG. 37 of the base 803.

[0511] Examples of a material constituting this connection portmanufacturing device 80 are the same as those for the housing 40.

[0512] Since the tube 30 and the connector 50 are the same as those inthe aforementioned each embodiment, descriptions on them will beomitted.

[0513] Note that, in the present invention, a protruded portion may beprovided in one of the tube 30 and the tube holding section 804, and arecessed portion engaging with the protruded portion may be provided inthe other.

[0514] Further, in the present invention, the tube holding section 804may be constituted in the same manner as the housing 40 in theaforementioned each embodiment.

[0515] Next, actions of the tube jointing system 10 will be described.

[0516]FIG. 38, FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 are perspective views for explainingactions of the tube jointing system 10, respectively.

[0517] First, as shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the connection portmanufacturing device 80 is assembled by mounting the cutter unit 802 onthe connection port manufacturing device main body 801.

[0518] In this case, the flat portion 8021 of the cutter unit 802 isinserted between the projections 8031 and the projections 8033 of theconnection port manufacturing device main body 801 from the left side inFIG. 27 and, at the same time, the rib 8026 of the flat portion 8022 isengaged with the groove 8043 of the tube holding section 804. That is,the surface on the lower side in FIG. 37 of the flat portion 8021 of thecutter unit 802 is caused to abut the pair of projections 8031 and 8031of the connection port manufacturing device main body 801, the surfaceon the upper side in FIG. 37 of the flat portion 8021 is caused to abutthe pair of projections 8033 and 8033, the surface on the lower side inFIG. 37 of the tip portion of the flat portion 8021 is caused to abut anend face 8045 on the upper side in FIG. 37 of the tube holding section804, the surface on the lower side in FIG. 37 of the flat portion 8022is caused to abut the pair of projections 8032 and 8032, and the rib8026 of the flat portion 8022 is engaged with the groove 8043 of thetube holding section 804.

[0519] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 38, the tube 30 is mounted on thetube holding section 804 of the connection port manufacturing devicemain body 801. In this case, while selecting a predetermined position inthe axial direction of the tube 30 (position to which the connector 50is to be connected) and, at the same time, confirming a position of theinner slit 303 of the tube 30 according to a not-shown guidepost, thetube 30 is mounted such that the inner slit 303 is placed in the centralpart of the opened portion 8041 of the tube holding section 804.

[0520] When the tube 30 is mounted on the tube holding section 804, thetube 30 is held by the tube holding section 804 in a state in which theinner surfaces of the inner slit 303 are brought into press contact witheach other, and the tube 30 is prevented from moving with respect to thetube holding section 804 in the axial direction and the peripheraldirection thereof.

[0521] Subsequently, the cutter unit 802 is moved to the right side inFIG. 37 with respect to the connection port manufacturing device mainbody 801. In this case, while pressing the flat portion 8021 of thecutter unit 802 toward the lower side in FIG. 37, the flat portion 8021is moved to the right side in FIG. 37.

[0522] Consequently, as shown in FIG. 39, the flat portion 8021 moves tothe right side in FIG. 39 (direction perpendicular to the axis of thetube 30) along the projections 8031 of the connection port manufacturingdevice main body 801 and the end face 8045 of the tube holding section804 and along side surfaces 8034. The outer slit 307 is formed in thetube 30 by the blade 8025. That is, the connection port 300 is formed.

[0523] In this case, a position and a direction of the outer slit 307are regulated by the flat portion 8021 of the cutter unit 802 and theside surfaces 804 of the connection port manufacturing device main body801, and a depth of the outer slit 307 is regulated by the flat portion8021 of the cutter unit 802, the projections 8033 of the connection portmanufacturing main body 801 and the end face 8045 of the tube holdingsection 804. Therefore, regulating means is constituted by thesemembers.

[0524] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 40, the cutter unit 802 is turnedby approximately 90° around the curved portion 8023 with respect to theconnection port manufacturing device main body 801, and the stepportions 8027 of the cutter unit 802 are engaged with the projections8031 of the connection port manufacturing device main body 801.

[0525] Consequently, the cutter unit 802 is held by the connection portmanufacturing device main body 801, the vicinity of the connection port300 of the tube 30 is exposed from the opening 8024 of the cutter unit802, and the connection port 300 is brought into a state in which theconnector 50 can be connected to it.

[0526] Since subsequent actions are the same as those in theaforementioned each embodiment, descriptions of the actions will beomitted.

[0527] According to this tube jointing system 10, the same effect as thetube jointing system 10 of the aforementioned each embodiment isobtained, for example, the connection port 300 can be formed easily inan arbitrary position.

[0528] Further, since this tube jointing system 10 includes theconnection-port manufacturing device 80, the outer slit 307 can beformed easily and accurately.

[0529] Note that, although a tube holding section of a connection portmanufacturing device also serves as a housing in this embodiment, theconnection port manufacturing device is not limited to this but may bean instrument dedicated for forming a connection port (outer slit)(which may not have a function as a housing) in the present invention.

[0530] The valve element and the mixing and injecting device using thevalve element, and the tube, the tube jointing device, the connectionport manufacturing device, and the tube jointing system of the presentinvention have been described so far based on the illustrated eachembodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to these, anda structure of each portion can be replaced with an arbitrary structurehaving the same function.

[0531] For example, in the present invention, an arbitrary structure ofthe aforementioned each embodiment may be combined.

[0532] In addition, in the present invention, a shape of the valveelement is not limited to a plate-like shape or a tubular shape.

[0533] In addition, in the present invention, only a part of the valveelement may be constituted by an elastic material.

[0534] In addition, an application of the valve element of the presentinvention is not specifically limited. Examples of the application ofthe valve element include a mixing and injecting device, a catheterintroducer serving as a guiding port in inserting a catheter into ablood vessel, a urethra indwelling catheter, a valve for a balloon as ina Swan-Gantz catheter, and the like. Among them, examples of a preferredapplication include the mixing and injecting device, and examples of aparticularly preferable application include the mixing and injectingdevice of the present invention.

[0535] In addition, a form (type) of a mixing and injecting device towhich the valve element of the present invention is applied such as themixing and injecting device of the present invention is not specificallylimited. Examples of the mixing and injecting device include a mixingand injecting port of an infusion set such as an infusion set for dripof a pump type or a gravity type, a mixing and injecting manifold, a Ysite, a mixing and injecting and sampling port of a blood circuit for anartificial lung or an artificial kidney, a sampling port of a blood bag,a check valve for preventing backflow of blood when an indwelling needleis retained in a blood vessel, and the like.

[0536] In addition, an application of the tube, the tube jointingdevice, the connection port manufacturing device and the tube jointingsystem of the present invention is not specifically limited, andexamples of the application include, other than a mixing and injectingdevice or a valve element used for the mixing and injecting device, adischarge port of a liquid container, a mixing and injecting route of asolution to a powder container, and the like. Among them, examples of apreferred application include the mixing and injecting device and thevalve element used for the mixing and injecting device, and examples ofa particularly preferred application include the valve element of thepresent invention and the mixing and injecting device of the presentinvention.

[0537] Note that the present invention is not limited to those formedical use.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0538] As described above, according to the valve element of the presentinvention, liquid tightness is secured and leakage of liquid from thevalve element can be prevented surely not only when nothing is insertedin (inserted through) the valve element but also when, for example, abar-like body such as a hard pipe (tube body) is inserted in the valveelement, when a bar-like body of a different external diameter isinserted in the valve element, or when a bar-like body is inserted intoand pulled out from the valve element.

[0539] In addition, since the valve element is deformed such that theinner surfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact witheach other, if a bar-like body is inserted for a long period, the valveelement is brought into a liquid tight state surely even after thebar-like body is pulled out, and leakage of liquid from the valveelement can be prevented surely.

[0540] In addition, since the valve element is deformed such that theinner surfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact witheach other, even if width of the first slit or the second slit is maderelatively large, leakage of liquid from the valve element can beprevented.

[0541] Further, by making the width of the first slit or the second slitrelatively large, a frictional resistance at the time of inserting abar-like body and at the time of pulling it out can be made relativelysmall. Consequently, operations such as insertion and pulling out of thebar-like body can be performed easily.

[0542] In addition, the valve element of the present invention is simplein structure.

[0543] In addition, when the valve element is tubular, liquid tightnesscan be secured more surely, and leakage of liquid from the valve elementcan be prevented more surely.

[0544] In addition, according to the mixing and injecting device of thepresent invention, for example, when a syringe, a connector or the likeis connected, since a bar-like body (e.g., tube body such as a hardpipe) only has to be inserted from the first slit of the valve element,the connecting operation can be performed easily and safely (connectionoperability is high).

[0545] Further, according to the present invention, a connection port(e.g., a mixing and injecting port or the like through which mixing andinjection or sampling can be performed) can be manufactured easily, ifnecessary.

[0546] Consequently, various types of flow path circuit formation can beperformed.

1. A valve element including a pair of end faces, at least a part ofwhich is constituted by an elastic material, characterized in that, thevalve element is provided with a first slit that is opened to a firstend face and is not opened to a second end face of the pair of endfaces, and a second slit that crosses with the first slit inside thevalve element, is opened to the second end face and is not opened to thefirst end face, and the valve element is deformed such that innersurfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact with eachother.
 2. A valve element according to claim 1, wherein the first slitin the first end face and the second slit in the second end face aresubstantially perpendicular to each other.
 3. A valve element accordingto claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve element is plate-like, and the innersurfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact with eachother by curving the valve element such that the first end face sidethereof is protruded.
 4. A valve element according to claim 3, wherein adirection of the curving and a direction of the first slit in the firstend face substantially coincide with each other.
 5. A valve elementaccording to claim 3 or 4, wherein a direction perpendicular to thedirection of the curving and a direction of the second slit in thesecond end face substantially coincide with each other.
 6. A valveelement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the valve elementis deformed such that inner surfaces of the first slit are brought intopress contact with each other.
 7. A valve element according to any oneof claims 1 to 6, wherein a compressing force is applied to the entirevalve element.
 8. A valve element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein thevalve element takes a tubular shape in which the first end face is anexternal peripheral surface and the second end face is an internalperipheral surface.
 9. A valve element according to claim 8, wherein adirection perpendicular to an axial direction of the valve element and adirection of the first slit in the first end face substantially coincidewith each other.
 10. A valve element according to claim 8 or 9, whereinthe axial direction of the valve element and a direction of the secondslit in the second end face substantially coincide with each other. 11.A valve element according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein anexternal shape in a cross section of the valve element after deformationis substantially circular.
 12. A valve element according to any one ofclaims 1 to 11, wherein the vicinity of the first slit on the first endface has a flat surface or a recessed surface.
 13. A valve elementaccording to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the valve elementincludes a holding member for holding the valve element in a deformedstate.
 14. A mixing and injecting device that includes a valve elementaccording to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a housing for holding thevalve element and is provided with a flow path in the inside,characterized in that, the valve element includes a first end faceexposed to the outside and a second end face exposed to the inside ofthe flow path, and the valve element is held by the housing in a statein which the valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces of asecond slit are brought into press contact with each other.
 15. A mixingand injecting device according to claim 14, wherein a direction of theflow path and a direction of the second slit in the second end facesubstantially coincide with each other.
 16. A mixing and injectingdevice according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the valve element takes atubular shape in which the second end face is an external peripheralsurface and the second end face is an internal peripheral surface, andat least a part of the flow path is constituted by a lumen of the valveelement.
 17. A mixing and injecting device according to claim 16,wherein the valve element is deformed by being compressed in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the valve elementby the housing.
 18. A mixing and injecting device according to claim 16or 17, wherein: the housing is tubular and has an opening on a sidethereof, and a first slit is located in the opening; the valve elementis inserted in the housing; and the mixing and injecting device isconstituted such that, when the opening is viewed from a direction of astraight line that passes a position deviated by 90° around a centralaxis of the valve element from a crossing section where the first slitand the second slit cross with each other and is perpendicular to theaxial direction of the valve element, a part of the external peripheralsurface of the valve element is seen from the opening.
 19. A mixing andinjecting device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the housingincludes a portion higher than an outer surface of a part where thefirst slit of the valve element exists, on an external peripheral sideof the valve element and in the vicinity of the first slit.
 20. A mixingand injecting device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the housingincludes a portion, which surrounds a part where the first slit of thevalve element exists and is higher than an outer surface of the partwhere the first slit exists, on an external peripheral side of the valveelement and in the vicinity of the first slit.
 21. A mixing andinjecting device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, whereinengaging means for engaging the housing with the valve element isprovided.
 22. A mixing and injecting device according to claim 16 or 17,wherein the valve element is bent such that the lumen thereof is formedin a V-shape.
 23. A mixing and injecting device according to claim 22,wherein a crossing section where the first slit and the second slitcross with each other is substantially linear, a direction of thecrossing section and an axial direction of the lumen on one side from abent portion of the valve element substantially coincide with eachother, and the lumen on one side is located on an extended line of thecrossing section.
 24. A mixing and injecting device according to claim22, wherein a crossing section where the first slit and the second slitcross with each other is substantially linear, and the crossing sectionand a central axis of the lumen on one side from a bent portion of thevalve element substantially coincide with each other.
 25. A mixing andinjecting device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein thevicinity of the first slit on the first end face has a flat surface or arecessed surface.
 26. A tube including a flow path in the inside, atleast a part of which is constituted by a flexible material,characterized in that, the tube is provided with at least one inner slitin a closed state or an opened state that reaches an internal peripheralsurface thereof and does not reach an external peripheral surfacethereof.
 27. A tube according to claim 26, wherein the inner slit isprovided along an axis of the tube.
 28. A tube according to claim 26 or27, wherein the tube includes position indicating means for indicating aposition of the inner slit.
 29. A tube according to any one of claims 26to 28, wherein a connection port is formed by forming an outer slit thatcrosses with the inner slit inside the tube, reaches the externalperipheral surface and does not reach the internal peripheral surface.30. A tube jointing device characterized by including a tube accordingto any one of claims 26 to 29 and a housing that can be mounted on thetube.
 31. A tube jointing device according to claim 30, wherein thehousing includes an opened portion from which at least a part of anexternal peripheral surface of the tube can be exposed.
 32. A tubejointing device according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the housing isconstituted such that the housing can bring the tube into a state inwhich inner surfaces of an inner slit are brought into press contactwith each other.
 33. A tube jointing device according to any one ofclaims 30 to 32, wherein at least one recessed portion or protrudedportion is provided along an axis of the tube in an external peripheralpart of the tube, and the housing is provided with a protruded portionor recessed portion that engages with the recessed portion or theprotruded portion.
 34. A tube jointing device according to any one ofclaims 30 to 33, wherein the tube jointing device includes positionregulating means for regulating a position in at least a peripheraldirection of the housing with respect to the tube.
 35. A connection portmanufacturing device for forming a connection port in a tube accordingto any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the connection portmanufacturing device includes: a tube holding section for detachablyholding the tube; and a cutter unit that is placed such that the cutterunit can be displaced with respect to the tube holding section and isprovided with a blade, and that the connection port manufacturing deviceis constituted such that the connection port is formed with the bladebased on displacement of the cutter unit, by forming an outer slit whichcrosses with an inner slit inside the tube, reaches an externalperipheral surface and does not reach an internal peripheral surface.36. A connection port manufacturing device according to claim 35,wherein the connection port manufacturing device is constituted so as tomove the cutter unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to anaxis of the tube with respect to the tube holding section and form theouter slit.
 37. A tube jointing system characterized by comprising: atube according to any one of claims 26 to 29; and a blade for forming aconnection port by forming in the tube an outer slit that crosses withan inner slit inside the tube, reaches an external peripheral surface ofthe tube, and does not reach an internal peripheral surface of the tube.38. A tube jointing system according to claim 37, comprising a connectorthat is connectable to the formed connection port.
 39. A tube jointingsystem characterized in that the tube jointing system forms a connectionport by deciding a position where a connector is connected to a tubeaccording to any one of claims 26 to 29 or a tube jointing deviceaccording to any one of claims 30 to 34 and forming, in this position,an outer slit that crosses with an inner slit inside the tube, reachesan external peripheral surface of the tube, and does not reach aninternal peripheral surface of the tube, and connects the connector tothe formed connection port.